Across Europe, airport and airline workers are walking out in protest of low pay and poor working conditions.
Unions have described employer behavior as unfair, even “Grinch-style,” taking advantage of staff goodwill during the busy Christmas season.
These strikes often coincide with peak travel periods, increasing pressure on employers and drawing public attention.
Many workers believe that striking during the festive season gives them the best chance to win higher wages and improved conditions.
Some strikes are scheduled months in advance, giving travelers a heads-up, while others appear at the last minute, causing sudden disruption.
Passengers are advised to double-check travel plans and stay updated on cancellations and delays.
With Christmas only days away, multiple airport and rail strikes are expected to affect travel across Europe.
Anyone whose train or flight is delayed or canceled may be eligible for a replacement ticket or compensation.
Travelers should review airline and rail policies carefully to understand their rights before leaving for the airport or station.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Strikes
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will stage a coordinated strike that could disrupt flights nationwide.
The walkout will involve ground handling staff, airline crew, and air traffic controllers, affecting multiple airports simultaneously.
ENAV air traffic controllers at Rome airport will participate, alongside Assohandlers staff covering major Italian airports and supporting airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Ground staff at ITA Airways, Vueling, and crews supporting Air France and KLM will also join the walkout.
The strike will run from 1 pm to 5 pm, but airports may experience disruptions all day.
Passengers should expect longer queues for check-in and baggage collection, along with possible flight delays.
Major airports affected include Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of flights that will operate despite the strike.
UK and Spain Face Extended Holiday Travel Chaos
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December and again from 26 to 29 December.
These walkouts are likely to cause delays with check-in and baggage services, potentially affecting thousands of travelers.
London Heathrow Airport will also see disruption over Christmas.
Scandinavian Airlines cabin crew will walk out from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to hubs such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are most likely to face delays or cancellations.
Union officials say poor pay has forced some staff to rely on food banks while traveling to expensive Scandinavian cities.
Callum Rochford, a Unite regional officer, described the airline’s actions as exploitative, blaming SAS for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, baggage handling staff employed by Azul Handling, Ryanair’s ground partner, continue their ongoing strikes.
Workers have protested since the summer, demanding better pay, job stability, and fairer bonuses.
The walkouts will continue through 31 December on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during early morning, afternoon, and late evening shifts.
Airports affected include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
Passengers should anticipate longer queues, slower check-in, and potential flight delays across these airports.
Italy Braces for New Year Disruptions
Following the December walkouts, Italian airports face further strikes in the new year.
On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a four-hour strike from 1 pm to 5 pm, affecting airports across the country.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely, especially at major hubs.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will also stage a 24-hour strike on the same day, further adding to disruption.
Additional action may hit Verona airport on 31 January, when ENAV air traffic controllers plan a walkout.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has again published a list of guaranteed flights to help travelers plan around these disruptions.
Travelers across Europe are urged to stay alert, check official airline and airport updates, and plan for potential delays throughout the holiday season.
