Across Europe, airport workers are walking out in protest over low wages and poor working conditions, disrupting travel during the busiest season of the year. Unions describe employer behavior as unfair and “Grinch-like,” particularly at a time when travelers are already stressed with holiday plans. Many workers see the festive period as the most effective moment to push for higher pay and better treatment, knowing that cancellations and delays will put pressure on airlines and airport operators.
Travelers should be aware that some strikes are announced months in advance, giving people time to adjust, while others appear suddenly, sometimes only hours before the action begins. This makes checking for updates essential, especially during peak travel days. With Christmas fast approaching, multiple airports and train networks across Europe are preparing for strikes that could cause major delays and cancellations. Travelers affected by these walkouts may be entitled to refunds, rebooking, or compensation, making it important to understand airline and rail policies before heading to the airport or station.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Strikes
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will stage coordinated strikes affecting multiple roles, from ground staff to airline crews and air traffic controllers. ENAV employees responsible for managing Rome’s air traffic control will join the action, alongside Assohandlers staff providing essential ground services at major airports. These workers support airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet, while ITA Airways employees, Vueling staff, and ground crews for Air France and KLM will also participate.
The walkout is scheduled from 1 pm to 5 pm, but disruption could extend beyond these hours, affecting flight schedules, check-in processes, and baggage handling. Major airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania are expected to experience significant delays. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights, offering some reassurance for travelers, but many will still face longer queues and uncertainty throughout the day.
UK and Spain Brace for Holiday 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, potentially causing delays at check-in and baggage counters. Heathrow Airport is also preparing for disruptions as Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December. Flights to hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may face delays or cancellations.
Union representatives say poor pay has forced some airline staff to rely on food banks while traveling to expensive Scandinavian cities. Callum Rochford, a regional officer with Unite, criticized SAS for exploiting staff goodwill and said the airline bears responsibility for any canceled Christmas flights.
Meanwhile, in Spain, baggage handling staff working for Ryanair’s ground handling partner, Azul Handling, continue weekly strikes that have been ongoing since summer. Workers are demanding better pay, job stability, and fair bonuses. Strikes continue until 31 December on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings. Passengers traveling through airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia should expect delays and longer queues for luggage collection and check-in.
Looking Ahead: More Italian Strikes in January
Italy is preparing for further airport disruptions in the new year. On 9 January, the CUB Transporti union has called a nationwide strike affecting ground staff at airports across the country. This action will last four hours, from 1 pm to 5 pm, with flight delays and cancellations likely.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport also plan a 24-hour strike on the same day, adding to potential disruptions. Additional strike action is scheduled for Verona airport on 31 January, when ENAV air traffic control staff are set to walk out. ENAC has once again published a list of guaranteed flights, providing some guidance for travelers, though the strike schedule is expected to create continued uncertainty for passengers across Italy.
Overall, the combination of December and January strikes highlights the growing tension between airport staff and employers. Travelers should plan ahead, allow extra time for check-in and baggage, and stay informed to avoid unexpected disruptions during the busy holiday season.
