Réunion

21 November 2018

Réunion strikes delay flight, cancel bus tours 
Wed, 21 Nov 2018 

Strikes on Réunion Island resulted in the delay of yesterday's (November 20) Air Austral flight from Johannesburg, road travel delays, and cancelled bus tours. The government has also banned travel between 21h00 and 06h00 until Friday morning (November 23). However, travel to the island is still considered safe.

Trade members on the ground have reported that Réunion nationals are striking due to oil price increases and the rising cost of living. However, they have advised that the strikes are not dangerous but are simply delaying travel. The strikes began yesterday (November 19) and it is unclear when they will cease.

Flight UU342 was meant to depart JNB yesterday at 14h45 and arrive at RUN at 20h35. However, due to the travel ban after 21h00, the flight was delayed until 07h00 this morning and is due to arrive at RUN at 12h50. The airline has accommodated passengers overnight and provided required meals. Air Austral was unable to provide comment regarding the impact on future flights at the time this article went live. 

Travellers are advised to add two hours to their road travel time, particularly to the airport, because of road blockages.

Certain bus day tours have been cancelled to ensure the safety of passengers and reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.