Paris airports brace for four-hour queues as EU biometrics launch nears
France joins global evacuation effort as special flights repatriate Gulf-stranded travellers
Air France suspends Paris–Havana route amid Cuba jet-fuel shortage
Latest News
Air France cancels and delays 70 long-haul services amid Middle East risk review
Air France axed 23 flights and delayed 46 others on 3-5 March, with the largest cuts on Paris–Dubai, Tel Aviv and Beirut routes, as conflict in the Gulf forces airspace rerouting. The airline offers rebooking or refunds but no EU261 payouts. Companies should monitor itineraries and review risk policies.
French court orders visa issuance after embassy reverses stance in Comoros case
In case 2603757, the Nantes Administrative Tribunal noted the Interior Ministry’s U-turn instructing its Moroni consulate to issue a return visa and awarded the applicant €550 in costs. The episode shows how emergency court actions can unblock visa impasses affecting French residents and employers.
Air France Grounds Middle-East Routes Until 5 March Amid Regional Airspace Closures
Air France has halted all services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh until at least 5 March, citing regional air-space closures tied to the Iran conflict. The grounding disrupts key business-travel corridors for French firms and forces exporters to seek alternative cargo routings. Mobility managers should activate contingency plans and monitor MEAE advisories.
France Deploys Rafale Jets to UAE and Starts Assisted Evacuations of Nationals
On 3 March France flew Rafale jets to the UAE and began charter evacuations for French citizens after fresh Iranian attacks. The move secures French bases, enables assisted departures for expatriates and signals possible changes in how companies structure Gulf assignments.
French Embassy Shuts Public Counter as VFS Global Halts Schengen Visa Services in Kuwait
VFS Global closed its Schengen visa centres in Kuwait on 3 March, and the French Embassy simultaneously suspended public services. The shutdown interrupts visa processing for business travellers and highlights the need for contingency planning and alternate filing strategies.
EU Asylum Applications Fall 19 % in 2025; France Holds Steady at 152 000 Claims
EUAA data published 3 March show EU-wide asylum claims down 19 % in 2025, but France held steady at 152 000. The stable French caseload, coupled with forthcoming accelerated procedures, means prefectural backlogs will persist—affecting corporate immigration timelines.