Paris-bound flights see seat cancellations of up to 50%

Airlines are reporting cancellations of up to 50 per cent on flights into Paris after a series of terror attacks in the French capital killed at least 128 people.

Irish citizens in Paris are being advised to exercise caution and contact friends and family as soon as possible.

Intending passengers to France have been cancelling at levels of about 50 per cent per flight, according to a spokesman for Aer Lingus.

Passengers who cancel are being offered a full refund or a free booking change.

However no flights have been cancelled and the situation regarding the proposed 18.20 flight from Dublin to Paris “remains to be seen”.

The spokesman said the overall situation continues to be monitored as the airline was “just not sure what is happening on the ground in Paris”.

Ryanair said customers departing France should allow extra time for security.

Ryanair schedule

It said it is operating a full schedule of flights to and from all French airports on Saturday.

The airline said “customers booked to travel to/from Paris Beauvais on Saturday 14th, or Sunday 15th November, who now wish to change their travel dates can transfer free onto another flight on the same route within the next two months (excluding December 17th to January 5th) by contacting the reservation centre.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims” the airline added.

French borders are open with greatly enhanced security, a factor which is expected to lead to delays at many French airports.

Shortly after news of the attacks emerged Irish rock band U2 cancelled its planned concert in Paris tonight. A statement on the U2s website said the decision to cancel the concert was taken “as a result of the ongoing state of emergency across France” but organisers were “fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Irish people in France should try to make contact with their families at home to let them know they are safe.

Use caution

The department also urged Irish citizens in Paris to use caution and to follow the instructions of French authorities. The Department has laid on extra staff in Dublin to give advice on 01-4082000.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said officials in Paris and Dublin had been working through the night to monitor the situation and provide consular assistance.

“Any citizens intending to travel should check with their airline or tour operator for information – the airports are operational but citizens should expect additional security and travel disruptions,” he said.

In Dublin a black ribbon was attached to the flags at the French Embassy in Merrion Square, where French cultural institutions in Ireland including the Alliance Francaise are meeting French authorities. Discussions on the response of the French community in Ireland to the terror attacks in Paris will be led by French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault.