As Christmas approaches, airport and airline staff across Europe are staging walkouts to protest low wages and poor working conditions.
Unions have described the behavior of some employers as “Grinch-style,” accusing them of taking advantage of staff during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
These strikes are not just minor inconveniences—they highlight long-standing frustrations among workers who feel undervalued despite the pressures of the holiday season.
For travelers heading home for Christmas or planning a winter holiday, these disruptions have become an increasingly familiar challenge.
Strikes are carefully timed to coincide with peak travel periods, giving workers maximum leverage in their negotiations.
Some walkouts are planned months in advance, while others are announced at the last minute, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their plans.
Checking flight and train schedules regularly has become essential to avoid unexpected cancellations, long delays, and crowded airport terminals.
Passengers affected by delays or cancellations may be entitled to refunds, replacement tickets, or compensation.
Travelers are advised to review airline and rail policies before setting off, as rules vary by carrier and country.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Strikes
On 17 December, airport employees across Italy will stage coordinated strike action that could disrupt travel nationwide.
The walkout will involve ground handling staff, airline crew, and air traffic controllers, highlighting the broad scope of unrest.
ENAV staff at Rome airport, who manage air traffic control, will participate, along with Assohandlers employees who cover ground services for airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Workers at ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, and Vueling staff will also take part, as will ground personnel serving Air France and KLM.
The strike is scheduled from 1 pm to 5 pm, but disruptions may extend beyond those hours.
Travelers should expect flight delays, longer check-in lines, and extended waits for baggage collection.
Major airports likely to feel the impact include Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights to help passengers plan their journeys.
UK and Spain Brace for Holiday Travel Chaos
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December and again from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers may encounter delays with baggage handling and check-in services, adding stress to busy holiday travel.
London Heathrow Airport will also see disruption over Christmas.
Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to key hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may face cancellations or delays.
Unite union representatives have highlighted that low pay forces some staff to rely on food banks, even as they travel for work.
Callum Rochford, a Unite regional officer, accused SAS of exploiting employees’ goodwill and warned the airline bears responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Ryanair’s ground handling partner Azul Handling continues weekly walkouts over pay, bonuses, and job security.
Strikes will continue until 31 December on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, spanning early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Airports affected include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
Passengers should anticipate longer queues and delays at both check-in and baggage collection.
More Disruption Looms in Italy in the New Year
Italy is preparing for further airport strikes in January.
On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a nationwide four-hour strike affecting airports across the country, with potential flight delays and cancellations.
On the same day, Swissport Italia ground handling staff at Milan Linate Airport plan a full 24-hour walkout.
Later in January, Verona airport may also experience disruption.
ENAV air traffic control staff are scheduled to strike on 31 January.
Passengers can consult ENAC’s list of guaranteed flights to plan travel around these strikes.
These actions underscore the ongoing tensions between European airport workers and employers.
Travelers should remain vigilant, check schedules frequently, and plan extra time to navigate potential disruptions during the festive season.
