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.
eTNW will update readers as the story progresses.
