Is it Safe to Travel to France After Airport Evacuations?

Following a terror attack in Arras on October 13, France has elevated its national threat level to Emergency Attack Level, the highest possible designation.

It is critical at this stage to remain alert and take necessary measures to safeguard oneself especially when threatened by terrorists or in the event of an attack. Currently, plans for evacuation protocols have been enforced across various airports, and security screening is in full swing at the Palace of Versailles. The UK Foreign Office FCDO has warned that further safety measures may be implemented in the future. If a trip to France is on your agenda, it's essential to understand several factors.

First of all, the FCDO does not advise against travel to France but highlights the need for strict caution since risks are elevated. it highlights the heightened threat levels and advises that evacuations of crowded places may occur. This could include airports, public transportation hubs, tourist attractions, major sports venues, schools, places of worship, and large commercial centres.

The likelihood of a terrorist attack in France is deemed very high. Areas with large public gatherings such as shopping centres, entertainment venues, cultural events, public transportation, and places of worship are considered to be the primary targets. Past incidents have involved knife attacks, shootings, bombings, and vehicle attacks. Remaining vigilant while in public, as well as paying close attention to official instructions is critical. While there is no specific advice for those in transit through France, such as at airports or via Eurostar, it is possible that increased border checks may cause delays at border control.

On Wednesday, October 18, eight French airports received bomb threats, prompting the evacuation of six of them—Lille, Lyons, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse, and Beauvais—for security checks. On Thursday, October 19, at least 14 airports reported bomb threats, and eight of them confirmed evacuations for security checks. Consequently, over a hundred flights to France had to be cancelled.