15 August: EasyJet and SNCF disruption threatens holidaymakers’ weekend

The 15 August holiday getaway-and-return weekend is set to be fraught for thousands of holidaymakers, with EasyJet flight cancellations and disruption on Normandy rail services. Here is what you need to know to protect your weekend plans.

EasyJet and SNCF disruption on 15 August

The 15 August travel crossover is expected to be difficult for holidaymakers. According to Le Parisien, around 40 EasyJet flights departing from French airports, including Paris, Lyon and Nice, have already been removed from Saturday’s schedule, with similar disruption forecast for Sunday.

The SNCF network will also be affected. Services leaving Paris Saint-Lazare for the Normandy coast, including Rouen, Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg and Trouville-Deauville, will face major cancellations. The Paris–Granville route will be the sole exception, with an almost normal service expected. The rail operator nevertheless says its revised timetable should carry around 80% of passengers across the whole weekend.

Reasons behind the industrial action

Although the disruption comes at the worst possible time for travellers, it stems from continuing deadlock within both companies. At EasyJet, the SNPNC-FO, UNPNC-CFDT and UNAC-CFE-CGC unions say working conditions for cabin crew have significantly deteriorated. They point to an increasing number of last-minute roster changes, demanding multi-day duty rotations and insufficient protective measures.

At SNCF, train drivers and station staff in Normandy have criticised what they consider authoritarian management practices and a breakdown in social dialogue. The unions also highlight the poor handling of heatwave periods, which severely affects day-to-day conditions for both Saint-Lazare network teams and passengers.

SNCF tickets and service updates

SNCF customers can change their journey or receive a full refund without charge, provided they make the request before their original departure time. However, moving to another train during the weekend will often be impossible because services are already fully booked. Passengers are strongly advised to check whether their line is running from 17:00 the day before, using the Nomad app or website.

EasyJet cancellation options

Under European rules, EasyJet must inform affected passengers by SMS or email. If a flight is cancelled, you may choose to be rebooked onto another available flight or request a full refund for your ticket. Check your flight status regularly before travelling to the airport.