Traveling across Europe in 2025 could be complicated by a number of strikes in the aviation and transport sectors. Find out the current dates and countries where airport and airline workers are striking, as well as how this could affect your flights and what to do to minimise delays and inconvenience

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Traveling in Europe this year has been complicated by numerous strikes in the aviation and transport sectors. They can lead to delays, flight cancellations and additional inconvenience for passengers, especially during peak seasons. To avoid spoiling your holiday, it is important to know in advance who is striking, where and when.

Why are there so many strikes in Europe right now?

The aviation industry is going through a difficult time. Due to staff shortages, high levels of stress and poor working conditions, workers at many airlines and airports are receiving less than they deserve. Given the cost of living crisis, this is leading to protests and strikes in many countries, from Italy and Belgium to Greece and France.

Strikes can seriously affect flights, so it is important to follow the news and check the status of your flight.

Portugal: Ground Staff Strikes

Ground staff members of the Metallurgical and Allied Industries Union (SIMA) are protesting against Menzies Aviation over low pay, night shifts and breaches of employment agreements. The following strike schedule is planned until the end of 2025:

- September: 3-9, 12-15, 19-22, 26-28

- October: 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31-3 November

- November: 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-1 December

- December: 5-8, 12-15, 19-2 January

Delays expected in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores.

France: Air traffic controllers strike

The country's air traffic controllers have called a strike after salary negotiations with the DGAC failed.

Dates: September 18-19

Consequences: disruptions to flights, even those over French airspace. Airlines must warn passengers of possible delays.

Spain: Azul Handling cargo workers

Airports across Spain are set to be hit by strikes over labor rights violations by Azul Handling baggage handlers.

The following strike schedule is planned until the end of 2025:

Days and times: every week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 am until the end of 2025

Airports affected: Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South, Valencia.

Italy: series of strikes in September 2025

A series of strikes are expected in Italy in September 2025, affecting several airlines and airports. Airport ground staff and flight attendants will take part in the protests, which could affect flight operations.

- 6 September 2025: A 24-hour strike is planned by easyJet staff at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and Swissport staff at Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which operates flights to and from CTA. On the same day: a four-hour strike has been announced by staff at Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Florence Airport (FLR).

- 26 September 2025: A four-hour strike is planned by LIN and MXP staff, which could lead to further disruption.

This series of strikes could cause delays and cancellations at major Italian airports, so passengers are advised to check flight status and plan their travel in advance.

What to do if your flight is at risk?

The airline should usually be able to help or provide compensation, but this depends on the carrier's terms and conditions. Airport or cargo strikes may not be covered by insurance or compensation rules.

If a strike has already been announced before booking, there will most likely be no compensation. Therefore, check the strike dates with your airline and the departure and arrival airports.

Tip: monitor the status of your flight and prepare for possible delays or route changes, especially if your travels coincide with announced strikes.

Important! Strikes are often used as a negotiating tool. There is a chance that the conflict will be resolved before the actual strike.

What impact do strikes have on tourists?

During strike periods, the following may occur:

- Flight delays, especially due to longer security lines.

- Flight cancellations if service or logistics are not possible.

- Changes in baggage handling times or check-in counters.

Tip: arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, especially on days when there is a strike.

What rights do tourists have if their flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes?

If your flight is cancelled or seriously delayed due to a strike, here is what you need to know:

1. Contact the airline. In case of any changes, contact the airline immediately. They are obliged to provide information about alternatives - rebooking or refund.

2. No compensation for short delays. If your flight is delayed for less than 2 hours, financial compensation is usually not provided.

Delay of more than 3 hours - compensation is possible. If you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late due to a delay or missed connection (and this is not force majeure), you are entitled to compensation under EU law.

3. Airline obligations regarding meals. If the delay lasts several hours, the carrier must provide passengers with drinks and snacks:

- flights up to 1500 km – after 2 hours of waiting

- flights 1500–3500 km – after 3 hours

- over 3500 km – after 4 hours

Important! If providing meals threatens an even greater delay, the carrier has the right not to provide it.

4. Overnight delay – hotel at the airline’s expense. If your flight is rescheduled to the next day, you should be offered accommodation and a transfer. If this is not the case, keep your receipts – you are entitled to compensation.

5. Refund in case of cancellation. If your flight is cancelled and you are not planning to travel, the airline must refund the full cost of your ticket within 7 days.

6. Alternative – voucher. Sometimes you may be offered a voucher instead of money. If its value is increased (for example, +25%) and you are sure that you will use it in the future, this may be a good option.

What should travelers do during strikes?

If you are planning a trip to Spain in August or the following months, it is important to stay informed and be prepared for changes in plans. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk and avoid unpleasant surprises during air strikes in Spain:

1. Keep an eye on airline notifications

Regularly check your email, SMS and the airline’s official social media accounts. In the event of cancellations or delays, airlines will usually offer alternative options or provide instructions for passengers.

2. Know your rights as a passenger

If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours due to the airline’s fault (including strikes by their contractors), you may be entitled to compensation or free rebooking under EU rules. Keep your tickets, correspondence and receipts – these documents may be useful when making a claim.

3. Plan alternative routes

If you have the option to change your travel date or direction, consider options via other airports that are not affected by strikes. Also consider taking trains or buses within Spain – these are often a convenient alternative for domestic travel.

If your flight is affected by a strike or you are planning a trip to Europe, our experts will help: check the flight status, advise alternative routes and tell you how to get compensation.

Don't risk your vacation - contact our specialists for advice today!

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