Airport workers across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as miserly treatment by low-paying employers.
As Christmas travel approaches, strikes have become an expected part of the holiday season, especially at airports and rail hubs.
Workers deliberately choose this busy period to strengthen demands for higher wages and better working conditions.
Some unions announce strike plans months in advance, giving travelers time to prepare.
Others call walkouts with little warning, sometimes just hours before they begin.
Passengers should always check their travel status before departure to avoid sudden cancellations or delays.
With Christmas only a week away, several airport and transport strikes will affect European travel in December.
Canceled or delayed flights and trains may entitle passengers to alternative tickets or financial compensation.
Travelers should review airline and rail rules to understand their rights in advance.
Italian Airports Brace for Coordinated Shutdowns
On 17 December, airport staff across Italy will take part in a coordinated strike.
The action will involve ground handlers, airline crews, and air traffic controllers working nationwide.
ENAV air traffic control staff at Rome airport will join the walkout.
Assohandlers employees, who manage ground services for major airlines, will also participate.
Their work supports carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Staff at ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, will strike alongside Vueling employees.
Ground staff for Air France and KLM will also take part in the action.
The strike will run from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Despite the limited timeframe, passengers may face all-day delays and long queues.
Check-in and baggage handling may slow significantly at several airports.
Airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania are likely to see disruption.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights for travelers.
UK and Spain Face Ongoing Holiday Disruption
In the United Kingdom, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December.
They will walk out again from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers should expect possible delays at check-in counters and baggage areas.
London Heathrow Airport also prepares for Christmas travel problems.
Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to hubs including Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are likely to face disruption.
Unite union members say low pay has forced some staff to rely on food banks while working abroad.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford accused SAS of exploiting employee goodwill.
He said the company now carries responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, baggage handlers working for Ryanair’s partner Azul Handling continue regular strike action.
Workers have staged weekly walkouts since summer over contracts, bonuses, and job security.
Until 31 December, staff will strike on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
They will walk out during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Passengers may face delays at airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia.
Other affected airports include Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Lanzarote.
More Airport Strikes Planned in Italy After New Year
Italy will see further airport disruption after the Christmas period ends.
On 9 January, the CUB Transporti union has called a nationwide four-hour strike.
Ground staff will walk out from 1 pm to 5 pm at airports across the country.
Flight delays and cancellations may follow throughout the day.
On the same date, Swissport Italia ground handling staff at Milan Linate Airport plan a 24-hour strike.
Additional disruption may affect Verona airport on 31 January.
ENAV air traffic control staff will strike on that day.
ENAC has published updated lists of guaranteed flights to help passengers plan ahead.
