This holiday season, airport and airline workers across Europe are walking out in protest of low wages and difficult working conditions.
Unions describe employer behavior as “Grinch-like,” especially during the busiest travel weeks of the year.
The strikes come at a time when millions of people are trying to travel home for Christmas or take winter vacations, raising the risk of major disruptions.
Strikes have become an increasingly common feature of holiday travel.
Some walkouts are scheduled months in advance, while others are announced at the last minute, sometimes only hours before they begin.
Travelers are being urged to check airline and train updates carefully, as cancellations, delays, and longer queues can occur with little warning.
For anyone planning to travel in December, it is essential to understand what to expect and know your rights.
Passengers affected by cancellations or delays may be entitled to rebooking, refunds, or financial compensation, depending on airline policies and local regulations.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Walkouts
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will stage coordinated strike action that includes ground staff, airline crews, and air traffic controllers.
ENAV staff at Rome airport, who manage air traffic control, will take part, along with Assohandlers employees providing ground services for airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Workers at ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, Vueling, and ground crews for Air France and KLM will also join the walkout.
Although the strike is scheduled from 1 pm to 5 pm, airports may experience disruption throughout the day, with flight delays and longer queues for check-in and baggage handling.
Major airports likely to be 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, giving travelers a chance to plan around potential disruptions.
UK and Spain Brace for Holiday Chaos
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.
Passengers may encounter delays in check-in and baggage handling, affecting flights during the peak holiday period.
London Heathrow Airport is also preparing for disruptions, as Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to major hubs such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may face delays or cancellations.
Unions say staff are protesting low pay, with some employees relying on food banks while traveling to expensive Scandinavian cities.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford described the strike as a response to “Grinch-like” treatment, criticizing the airline for exploiting staff goodwill during Christmas.
In Spain, baggage handling staff for Ryanair partner Azul Handling have staged regular strikes since summer.
Workers demand better pay, fair bonuses, and job security.
Until 31 December, they will strike on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings, causing potential delays at airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
Italy Plans Further Disruption in January
The strike action is not limited to December.
On 9 January, Italian trade union CUB Transporti will call a four-hour strike from 1 pm to 5 pm, involving ground staff at airports across the country.
Swissport Italia employees at Milan Linate Airport will stage a 24-hour walkout the same day, potentially affecting numerous flights.
Additional disruption may occur on 31 January, when ENAV air traffic control staff plan a strike at Verona airport.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has released updated lists of guaranteed flights to help travelers navigate the ongoing disruption.
These strikes highlight growing tensions between airline employers and staff, and they underscore the importance of planning ahead.
Travelers should remain alert to last-minute announcements, check airline communications, and prepare for delays, especially during the peak holiday season.
