Europe prepares for Christmas travel chaos as London Heathrow and other major airports may face workers’ strikes
Christmas travel plans are in jeopardy. Strikes are planned at London Heathrow and Luton airports. Italy, Spain, and Portugal will also see industrial action. Flights, ferries, and trains may be affected. Passengers should check for updates and pr...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
Christmas travel across Europe may face disruption as strike action is planned at London Heathrow and in several countries, including Italy, Spain and Portugal. Industrial action by airport, airline and transport workers is expected to affect flights, ferries, rail and local transport during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, according to a report by The Independent. Delays and cancellations are likely, especially around key Christmas dates.
The strikes are being called over pay disputes, working conditions and labour reforms. Unions say workers are struggling with low wages, long hours and rising living costs. Passengers are advised to check travel updates before leaving and prepare for possible delays.
The festive period sees heavy travel as people visit family or take holidays. Any disruption could impact thousands of passengers across Europe.
UK: London Heathrow and Luton airports
At London Heathrow Airport, more than 130 cabin crew employed by Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) and based at the airport have announced strike action. The walkouts are scheduled for December 22, 23, 24 and 26. Flights to and from Scandinavia may be delayed or cancelled.
The dispute is over pay, with workers saying the offer is below inflation. According to the Unite union, some cabin crew have reported using food banks when landing in Scandinavia because they cannot afford meals before returning to the UK.
At London Luton Airport, around 200 easyJet check-in and baggage handling staff are set to strike over pay. As per The Independent report, the action is planned from 3am on December 19 to 3am on December 22, and again from December 26 to 29. easyJet said it would work with partners to minimise disruption.
Italy: Multiple strikes across transport
Italy is set to see the highest number of strikes in Europe this December. From December 9 to 11, maritime and administrative staff at ferry companies Tirrenia CIN and Moby are on strike. Ferry services linking mainland Italy with Sardinia, Sicily and smaller islands may face cancellations or timetable changes.
On December 12, a nationwide general strike called by CGIL is expected to reduce rail, port and logistics services. Cities such as Rome and Milan may also see slower public transport and marches in central areas. While airports may be less affected, travellers are advised to allow extra time to reach them.
On December 17, ITA Airways staff will hold a four-hour strike from 1pm to 5pm. The action could disrupt flights across the country, and passengers have been asked to check airline updates.
Portugal: First general strike in 12 years
Portugal is preparing for its first national general strike in 12 years on December 11. Around half of the workforce is expected to take part, affecting flights, trains and buses.
Ricardo Penarroias, president of the SNPVAC cabin crew union, said it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike. The action is linked to opposition to proposed labour law reforms, which unions say would weaken workers’ rights.
Spain: Airport baggage handlers
In Spain, airport baggage handlers are striking throughout December. The action is scheduled between 5am and 9am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of the year.
Airports affected include Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South and Valencia. Passengers may face delays, especially during peak travel hours.
What travellers should know
Under UK law, airlines must provide compensation if a flight arrives more than three hours late, if the delay is the airline’s fault. Disruptions caused by strikes or other extraordinary circumstances may not qualify.
Travellers are advised to monitor airline and airport updates, allow extra time for journeys and carry essential items in case of long delays during the Christmas period.
The strikes are being called over pay disputes, working conditions and labour reforms. Unions say workers are struggling with low wages, long hours and rising living costs. Passengers are advised to check travel updates before leaving and prepare for possible delays.
The festive period sees heavy travel as people visit family or take holidays. Any disruption could impact thousands of passengers across Europe.
UK: London Heathrow and Luton airports
At London Heathrow Airport, more than 130 cabin crew employed by Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) and based at the airport have announced strike action. The walkouts are scheduled for December 22, 23, 24 and 26. Flights to and from Scandinavia may be delayed or cancelled.The dispute is over pay, with workers saying the offer is below inflation. According to the Unite union, some cabin crew have reported using food banks when landing in Scandinavia because they cannot afford meals before returning to the UK.
At London Luton Airport, around 200 easyJet check-in and baggage handling staff are set to strike over pay. As per The Independent report, the action is planned from 3am on December 19 to 3am on December 22, and again from December 26 to 29. easyJet said it would work with partners to minimise disruption.
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Italy: Multiple strikes across transport
Italy is set to see the highest number of strikes in Europe this December. From December 9 to 11, maritime and administrative staff at ferry companies Tirrenia CIN and Moby are on strike. Ferry services linking mainland Italy with Sardinia, Sicily and smaller islands may face cancellations or timetable changes.On December 12, a nationwide general strike called by CGIL is expected to reduce rail, port and logistics services. Cities such as Rome and Milan may also see slower public transport and marches in central areas. While airports may be less affected, travellers are advised to allow extra time to reach them.
On December 17, ITA Airways staff will hold a four-hour strike from 1pm to 5pm. The action could disrupt flights across the country, and passengers have been asked to check airline updates.
Portugal: First general strike in 12 years
Portugal is preparing for its first national general strike in 12 years on December 11. Around half of the workforce is expected to take part, affecting flights, trains and buses.ADVERTISEMENT
Ricardo Penarroias, president of the SNPVAC cabin crew union, said it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike. The action is linked to opposition to proposed labour law reforms, which unions say would weaken workers’ rights.
Europe’s Christmas markets are returning in full festive spirit this winter, bringing centuries-old traditions, handmade crafts, and the aroma of mulled wine to city squares across the continent. From Germany’s historic Christkindlesmarkt to Croatia’s citywide Advent celebrations, these markets capture the cultural essence of Europe’s winter season. Whether it’s the Alpine charm of Trento, the riverside glow of Budapest, or the medieval beauty of Antwerp, each destination offers its own version of Europe’s enduring Christmas magic.
Spain: Airport baggage handlers
In Spain, airport baggage handlers are striking throughout December. The action is scheduled between 5am and 9am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of the year.ADVERTISEMENT
Airports affected include Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South and Valencia. Passengers may face delays, especially during peak travel hours.
What travellers should know
Under UK law, airlines must provide compensation if a flight arrives more than three hours late, if the delay is the airline’s fault. Disruptions caused by strikes or other extraordinary circumstances may not qualify.Travellers are advised to monitor airline and airport updates, allow extra time for journeys and carry essential items in case of long delays during the Christmas period.
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