Flights to and from Paris are not expected to be cancelled. (Getty)
After the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France declared a state of emergency and President Francois Hollande said in a press conference that the borders would be closed. Does this mean that flights to and from Paris are canceled?
Here’s what you need to know.
Flights Will Still Arrive and Depart From Paris
Despite closing its borders, flights and trains in and out of the country will continue, Fox News reported. Many flights to and from Paris are still departing on schedule, but with increased security, The Guardian reported. Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris is open. The smaller airport in Paris, Orly International, suspended flights temporarily due to a computer software malfunction. At the time of the attacks, flight paths were redirected around France.
American Airlines in DFW canceled one of its flights on the night of the attacks and delayed a number of others, the Fort-Worth Star Telegram reported. Right after the attacks, the airline told its crew in Paris to stay in their hotels until more details were learned. But the airline expected to resume normal operations. All other airlines reported normal operations, IBTimes reported.
Airlines currently reporting normal operations, at the time of publication, included United Airlines, Air France, Jet Airways, Air India, American Airlines, and many other airlines. Easyjet is also operating as usual, but allowing passengers to cancel and get a refund if they don’t want to fly this weekend, or transfer their flight to another date. Flybe is offering a similar deal. Ryanair is letting passengers who were supposed to fly this weekend change their flight for no charge to a flight within the next two months. American Airlines is offering a slightly more restrictive deal, letting passengers who were booked to fly to Paris this weekend change their flight for no fee, but only if they are traveling no later than November 28.
Early media reports had stated that Russia was considering restricting flights from Moscow to Paris, but this is not true. Instead, Russia is looking into adding extra security.
Check for Delays First And Arrive Early, As There Are Now Long Lines From Passport Checks
Before leaving for the airport, check with your airline to make sure your flight is on schedule. You can also check FlightAware and EasyCDG for live updates on the status of flights coming to Charles de Gaulle airport. Long lines have been reported at Charles de Gaulle airport, since passport checks are being reinstated for everyone, possibly including EU citizens flying within the EU:
Huge queues at Paris CDG airport as passport checks are reintroduced for all travellers #ParisAttacks
A hashtag called #strandedinUS was started on Twitter for anyone whose flight to or from Paris was delayed and needed a place to stay.
