Airport and airline workers across Europe are walking out in protest over low wages, poor working conditions, and what unions describe as “Grinch-style” behavior from employers. The timing of these strikes is no coincidence: workers are targeting the busiest travel weeks of the year to maximize pressure for better pay and protections.
Christmas and winter holidays, already stressful for travelers, are now complicated by the threat of sudden cancellations and delays. Some strikes are planned months in advance, giving travelers time to adjust, while others appear with very little notice, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives. Checking for updates before traveling has become essential to avoid last-minute chaos.
With just days to go before the festive season peaks, multiple strikes will affect airports and train services across Europe. Passengers whose journeys are delayed or canceled may be entitled to refunds, rebookings, or compensation, making it important to know your rights before heading to the airport.
Italy Braces for Coordinated Airport Walkouts
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will take coordinated strike action that includes ground handlers, airline crews, and air traffic controllers. ENAV staff at Rome airport, responsible for air traffic control, will join the walkout. Employees from Assohandlers, who manage ground services for major airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet, will also strike.
Staff at Italy’s national carrier, ITA Airways, along with Vueling employees and ground crews working for Air France and KLM, will participate. The strike is scheduled from 1 pm to 5 pm, but disruptions are expected throughout the day. Passengers may face longer queues at check-in and baggage areas, as well as flight delays, particularly at major airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of flights that will operate despite the walkout. Travelers are encouraged to consult this list and check with airlines before heading to the airport.
UK and Spain Face Christmas Travel Disruptions
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will walk out from 19 to 22 December and again from 26 to 29 December. The strike is likely to cause delays in baggage handling and check-in. London Heathrow Airport also anticipates disruptions: cabin crew from Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to Scandinavian hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may face cancellations or delays. Unite union members say that poor pay has forced some workers to rely on food banks while traveling to expensive destinations. Unite regional officer Callum Rochford described the airline’s approach as “Grinch-style behavior,” accusing SAS of taking advantage of employees’ goodwill and responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, ground handling staff for Azul Handling, who support Ryanair operations, continue to stage weekly strikes. These actions have been ongoing since summer and target pay, bonuses, and job security. The strikes will continue until 31 December on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings. Passengers may face longer queues and delays at airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
More Strikes Loom in Italy for January
Even after the Christmas period, Italy will face further airport disruption. On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a nationwide four-hour strike by ground staff, scheduled from 1 pm to 5 pm. Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will walk out for a full 24 hours on the same day, causing potential flight delays and cancellations.
Additional disruption may occur at Verona airport on 31 January, when ENAV air traffic control staff will strike. ENAC has released lists of guaranteed flights for travelers affected by these actions.
These strikes highlight how labor disputes in the airline industry continue to impact passengers during peak travel seasons. Travelers are advised to check with airlines, leave extra time for journeys, and prepare for potential delays at multiple European airports.
