Airport workers across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as unfair and low wages.
Unions accuse some employers of showing “Grinch-style” behavior during the Christmas travel rush.
Holiday travel increasingly overlaps with strike action, especially during the busiest travel weeks.
Workers often choose this period to pressure employers for better pay and conditions.
Some strikes appear on schedules months ahead, allowing travelers time to prepare.
Others arrive suddenly, sometimes only days or hours before departure.
Travelers should check updates frequently to avoid last-minute confusion and disruption.
With Christmas approaching, several airport and rail strikes are planned across Europe this December.
Canceled or delayed trips may qualify passengers for refunds, rebooking, or compensation.
Passengers should review airline and rail policies to understand their rights clearly.
Italy Faces Widespread Airport Action Before Christmas
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will stage coordinated strike action.
Ground handlers, airline crew, and air traffic controllers will all take part.
ENAV air traffic control staff at Rome airport will join the walkout.
Assohandlers employees will also strike at major Italian airports.
These staff support airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Employees at ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, will also participate.
Vueling staff and ground workers for Air France and KLM will join them.
The strike will run from 1 pm until 5 pm.
Disruption may continue all day through delays and extended waiting times.
Passengers may face slower check-in and baggage handling processes.
Airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania may see major disruption.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has released a list of guaranteed flights.
UK and Spain Prepare for Extended Holiday Disruptions
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December.
They will also walk out again from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers should expect delays at check-in desks and baggage areas.
London Heathrow Airport also faces disruption during the Christmas period.
Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and on 26 December.
Flights to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may suffer delays or cancellations.
Unite union members say low pay forces some staff to use food banks while traveling.
Unite officer Callum Rochford accused SAS of exploiting staff goodwill.
He said the airline now bears responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, Ryanair passengers continue to face baggage handling disruptions.
Azul Handling staff have staged weekly strikes since the summer.
Workers demand better conditions, stable contracts, and fair bonuses.
Strikes will continue until 31 December on multiple days each week.
Walkouts will occur in early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Airports affected include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, and Valencia.
More Italian Airport Strikes Planned for January
Italy will see more airport strikes after the Christmas period ends.
On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a nationwide four-hour strike.
Ground staff will walk out from 1 pm to 5 pm across Italian airports.
Passengers may face delays and cancellations throughout the day.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will also strike for 24 hours.
Further disruption may affect Verona airport on 31 January.
ENAV air traffic control staff plan strike action on that date.
ENAC has published guaranteed flight lists to help travelers plan ahead.
