Air France and British Airways are warning passengers that their travel plans may be disrupted by strike action involving French transport workers due to commence at 5pm today. The industrial action is in response to the French government’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. As of tomorrow, post offices, schools and civil service departments across the country will also be affected.

BA has said that those who plan to travel should check with the airline before leaving for the airport. Air France has said that it plans to operate all long-haul services as usual, but warned that some short-haul services may be affected. From Charles de Gaulle, Air France plans to operate 90 per cent of its scheduled services. From Orly, around 50 percent of Air France’s scheduled flights will be operational. The airline also advised travellers to confirm flights before setting out for the airport.

Eurostar has said that it will continue to run services as normal. However, because of possible disruption on connecting services, it is giving passengers the option of postponing their journeys.

Those planning to travel on the Paris Metro are being advised that it will attempt to run at around 50 per cent capacity. SNCF services will also try to run at least half their scheduled high-speed trains.

Additional woes face travellers from the UK as London Underground workers’ walk out later today in protest over proposed job cuts. Around 800 workers face losing their jobs, a situation the unions’ claim will be bad for passenger safety.