Transport Disruptions in Paris Ahead of 2024 Olympics
With just hours remaining until the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics, chaos has impacted the country’s transport network. On the night of Thursday, July 25, a series of fires spread across France’s high-speed rail lines, leading to significant delays, cancellations, and disruptions throughout the rail system.
The fires stemmed from coordinated attacks by arsonists. Although the motivations behind these saboteurs remain unclear, France’s transport minister has condemned their actions as “malicious acts.” Meanwhile, the chief of the rail company SNCF characterized the incidents as “premeditated, calculated, and coordinated,” expressing a “desire to seriously harm” the rail services.
This situation arises as travelers begin flocking to the city. Reports indicate that over 250,000 people will be affected by the disruption on Friday, July 26, while up to 800,000 will experience the impact over the course of the weekend. Those traveling to Paris from the UK are warned of delays extending at least 90 minutes.
“Due to coordinated acts of vandalism in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains arriving at and departing from Paris are being diverted via the classic line on Friday, July 26,” stated a representative from Eurostar. “This adjustment adds approximately one and a half hours to the journey time. Several trains have been canceled.” Affected travelers are permitted to alter or cancel their journeys without penalty during this ongoing situation.
While rail systems within Paris appear unaffected, it is crucial for travelers to note that several Metro and RER stations in the city center will be closing for the Opening Ceremony.
The news arrives as the French travel industry experiences widespread disruptions. All three of Paris’ airports will cease operations for the evening of Friday, July 26, while the French government has declared a “no-fly zone” covering a radius of 80 nautical miles during the Olympic Opening Ceremony, effective from 6:30 PM until midnight.
