As the first European Olympic Games since London 2012 prepares to commence, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony is set to captivate audiences on Friday evening along the Seine in the heart of the French capital. However, travelers may face significant disruptions as unprecedented security measures are implemented.
Airspace Restrictions Over Paris
In a historic move, all three Paris airports will be closed as a no-fly zone equivalent to the size of Belgium is enforced across northern France during the ceremony. The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning: “Until Friday 26 July, you will need a digital pass to travel to some areas of Paris because of preparations for the Olympic opening ceremony. Different rules will apply depending on whether you are travelling on foot, by bike, or by car or another vehicle.”
Last-Minute Travel Opportunities
Despite the impending chaos, last-minute visitors may find travel bargains once the Games begin in earnest on Saturday, 27 July. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect:
Anticipated Frenzy Before the Games
Reaching Paris before the opening ceremony will be a race against time. The last flight to land on Friday is expected to be an Air France flight from Edinburgh to Charles de Gaulle airport, arriving at 5.10 pm. After this, the skies will close until midnight. Almost all flights will be banned from a circle with a radius of 80 nautical miles centered on Notre-Dame cathedral from 6.30 pm to midnight, local time. Typically, the last Friday of July would see around 350,000 passengers passing through Paris airports. However, only essential flights, such as those by military, customs, police, civil security, or emergency aircraft, will be permitted.
Security Concerns Prompt Airspace Closure
The no-fly zone has been imposed due to fears of a terrorist attack. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) stated: “A temporary prohibited area (ZIT Ceremonie) is created to ensure the implementation of the special air security arrangements as part of the protection of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games 2024.” This closure has led to the cancellation of nearly 100 easyJet flights, affecting approximately 18,000 passengers. Moreover, many air routes from the UK that typically pass over Paris will need to detour around the exclusion zone, causing additional congestion.
Ground Transportation Challenges
Paris will be markedly different on Friday, with eleven key Métro and RER stations in central areas already closed, including those serving the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and Champs Elysées. Road closures for the massive security operation are expected to cause significant disruptions. A system of passes for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians is in place. French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete warned: “We no longer guarantee anything.” The millions of tourists who would typically flock to the city in late July and August are expected to stay away due to concerns about disruption, high airfares, and expensive hotels.
Travel Costs and Availability
In the short term, travel to France will be costly. Eurostar is running 15 London-Paris trains on Saturday, with fares starting at £247. The first flight from the UK to Paris after the airspace reopens is the 5.55 am Air France flight from Manchester to CDG on Saturday, priced at £1,069. British Airways flights on the Heathrow-CDG route for Friday sold out at £461 one way. However, fares for Saturday flights are lower, with Ryanair offering tickets from Leeds Bradford and Belfast International to Beauvais for about £80.
Post-Opening Ceremony Travel Deals
Once the Games are in full swing, airfares will significantly decrease. For example, on Tuesday, 30 July, flights from Belfast International, Edinburgh, or Manchester to Beauvais on Ryanair are priced at £27 or less. Eurostar fares will also drop, with tickets from London to Paris available for £124.
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