Across Europe, airport workers are walking out in protest against low pay and poor working conditions.
Unions have described the actions as a response to “Grinch-style” treatment by employers, who they say exploit staff during the busy holiday season.
Travel during Christmas and winter holidays has become increasingly unpredictable because strikes often coincide with peak travel periods.
Many workers see this timing as their strongest leverage to push for fair pay, better conditions, and job security.
Some strikes are scheduled months in advance, giving travelers warning, while others are called at the last minute, sometimes just hours before action begins.
This unpredictability has left many passengers scrambling to adjust travel plans and check for cancellations or delays.
With Christmas approaching, several major strikes will affect both airport and train travel across Europe.
Passengers whose journeys are canceled or delayed may be entitled to rebookings, refunds, or compensation.
It is essential for travelers to stay informed and check official airline and rail updates before leaving for the airport or station.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Strikes
On 17 December, workers across multiple Italian airports will stage a coordinated strike lasting four hours, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
The action will include ENAV air traffic controllers at Rome airport, Assohandlers ground staff at major airports, and employees of ITA Airways, Vueling, Air France, and KLM.
The strike could cause delays and longer queues throughout the day, affecting airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania.
The walkout targets multiple levels of airport operations, from air traffic control to ground handling and cabin crews.
Passengers should anticipate disruptions not only during the four-hour strike but potentially across the entire day.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights, but travelers are advised to confirm details with airlines.
UK and Spain Brace for Extended Holiday Disruptions
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December and again from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers may face delays with check-in and baggage handling.
London Heathrow Airport will also see disruption as SAS cabin crew stage walkouts from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to Scandinavian hubs such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are most likely to be affected.
Unions say poor pay has forced some staff to rely on food banks while traveling to expensive destinations, highlighting the financial pressures on airline employees.
Callum Rochford of Unite called SAS’s behavior “Grinch-style,” criticizing the company for exploiting the goodwill of staff and causing cancelled Christmas flights.
In Spain, baggage handling staff employed by Azul Handling for Ryanair have staged ongoing strikes since summer.
Workers protest low pay, unstable contracts, and limited bonuses.
Until 31 December, strikes will continue on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, covering early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Passengers should expect delays at major airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
Check-in queues, luggage collection, and flight schedules may all experience disruptions during these strikes.
Italy Faces Further Airport Disruptions in January
The strikes in Italy are set to continue into the new year.
On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a four-hour nationwide strike for airport ground staff, again from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will stage a separate, full-day walkout on the same date.
Additional disruption may hit Verona airport on 31 January when ENAV air traffic control staff plan to strike.
Passengers should check ENAC’s published list of guaranteed flights and plan their travel with caution.
These strikes highlight the growing tension between European airport workers and employers, particularly during peak travel periods.
Travelers are urged to stay informed, plan for delays, and prepare for potential last-minute changes during the festive season.
