Large-scale transportation strikes in Europe in September 2026: dates and countries

In September, large-scale strikes could disrupt rail and public transportation services in Italy and the Netherlands, as well as affect flights throughout Italy. The most significant disruptions are expected on September 7–9 and 30. Learn more about the strike dates, transportation restrictions, and routes that may be affected

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In September 2026, travelers should be aware of three nationwide transportation strikes. On September 7–8, railway workers in Italy will go on strike; on September 9, railway and public transit workers in the Netherlands will strike; and on September 30, Italian air traffic controllers will join the protest.

These actions could lead to train cancellations, disruptions to subway and bus service, flight delays, and problems with connections between airports and cities. Some guaranteed services will remain in operation, but carriers will publish exact schedules closer to each date. Here’s where the biggest disruptions are expected and how passengers can plan alternative routes.

In our previous article, we discussed how to choose safe accommodation, avoid mistakes, and book a hotel without unnecessary expenses.

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France: Three-day strike by Volotea pilots, September 4–6

Volotea pilots based in France will go on strike from September 4 through September 6. The strike was announced by the SNPL, UNAC, and SPL unions due to a dispute over wages and working conditions. The SNPL officially confirmed the strike dates on August 27.

Flights operated by French crews are at risk. Volotea operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes from Bordeaux, Brest, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Strasbourg, and Toulouse. Delays may also affect subsequent flights of the same aircraft in other countries.

The company has not yet disclosed the exact number of cancellations. The impact will depend on pilot participation and the ability to bring in crews from other European bases. Passengers with tickets for September 4–6 should check their flights in the Volotea app and should not cancel their reservations on their own until the airline makes an official announcement.

In a previous article, we explained how train tickets work in Europe: prices, types, and surcharges.

Italy: Nationwide rail strike on September 7–8

The first major strike of the month will begin on September 7 at 9:18 p.m. and end on September 8 at 9:00 p.m. According to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the strike will be nationwide and last nearly 24 hours.

Train drivers, conductors, and other employees of rail transport companies have been called to strike. It will affect staff of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group, including Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper, and the freight operator Mercitalia Rail. Regional, intercity, and some high-speed services will be affected.

Passengers should prepare for:

- Cancellations of some Frecce, Intercity, and regional trains

- Significant gaps between departures

- Changes to routes and terminal stations

- Overcrowded trains that remain on the schedule

- Disruptions to service to airports in Rome, Milan, and other cities

On weekdays, Italian rail operators are required to provide guaranteed service primarily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, this does not mean the full schedule will be maintained.

You should check the Trenitalia and Italo websites immediately before your trip for a list of trains that are definitely running.

We previously reported that Eurostar will connect London and Antwerp with direct trains in December 2026.

The Netherlands: Nationwide transportation strike on September 9

A 24-hour strike by railway and public transit workers is scheduled for September 9 in the Netherlands. The FNV union has already officially notified NS and the rail infrastructure operator ProRail of the action. Employees of DB Cargo, as well as city and regional transit operators, are also being called upon to join the protest.

The strike could affect virtually the entire country’s passenger transportation system:

- NS intercity and regional trains

- International rail services

- Subways, trams, and buses in Amsterdam and Rotterdam

- Public transit in The Hague, Utrecht, and other cities

- Train routes to Schiphol Airport

The biggest disruptions are expected on lines that run through ProRail infrastructure. Even if some international carriers do not join the strike, their trains will not be able to operate normally without dispatchers and rail network workers.

FNV opposes the government’s plans to cut social benefits, particularly unemployment and disability benefits. The union warns that the strike will affect passengers and businesses across the country. At the same time, negotiations could still influence the strike, so carriers will announce the final schedule closer to September 9.

We previously wrote about The Top 10 Most Dangerous Airports in the World: The Most Extreme Places to Take Off and Land.

Italy: Simultaneous Aviation Strikes on September 13

On September 13, several strikes by aviation industry workers will take place in Italy. The actions will affect easyJet and the airports in Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Cagliari.

The following work stoppages are planned:

- easyJet flight crew – 24 hours, from 00:00 to 23:59

- ADR Security at Fiumicino and Ciampino – 24 hours

- Aviation Services at Rome’s airports – from 11:00 to 15:00

- Toscana Aeroporti, GH Toscana, and Consulta in Florence and Pisa – from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

- SOGAER Group employees at Cagliari Airport – from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Passengers may experience cancellations of easyJet flights, longer lines at security checkpoints, and delays in baggage handling and ground services. The heaviest traffic is expected from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., when several protests will be taking place simultaneously.

Flights scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. should operate within the guaranteed time windows. ENAC will publish the final list of protected flights.

In our previous article, we explained how to find cheap last-minute flights using Skyscanner’s tips.

Italy: Nationwide air traffic controllers’ strike on September 30

On September 30, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, employees of ENAV, the national air traffic control operator, and the technical company Techno Sky will go on strike. The strike will affect all of Italy and may cause delays and flight cancellations at various airports across the country.

The highest risk applies to flights scheduled during the strike and for several hours after it ends. Even a four-hour stoppage could disrupt flight schedules and cause a domino effect of delays in the evening.

The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) guarantees that flights will operate during protected periods from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Emergency, humanitarian, government, and certain intercontinental flights are also expected to be served. ENAC will publish the list of guaranteed flights closer to the strike date.

Learn more about the world’s most beautiful airports in 2026 according to the Prix Versailles ranking by following the link.

How to prepare for travel during the strikes?

The status of flights and trains may change even on the day before departure. You should check the information directly in the app or on the carrier’s website, not just on ticket-selling services.

Before your trip, you should:

- Enable notifications for flight or train changes

- Check the list of guaranteed services

- Avoid planning short layovers between different modes of transportation

- Allow at least a few hours between your train’s arrival and your flight’s departure

- If possible, reschedule your trip to a day before or after the strike

- Check bus routes and car rental options in advance

- Keep your tickets, receipts, and cancellation notices

In the Netherlands, do not rely on rail service to Schiphol Airport on September 9. In Italy, on September 7–8, choose a train from the list of guaranteed services, and on September 30, if possible, plan your flight to depart before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.

In a previous article, we discussed Europe’s “trap airports”—the destinations where travelers actually end up after purchasing cheap airline tickets.

What rights do passengers have during a strike?

The rules depend on the mode of transportation and the reason for the cancellation. A passenger does not lose the right to a refund simply because a flight or train was canceled due to a strike.

If a train is canceled

Under EU rules, a passenger may choose:

- A full refund of the ticket price

- Free re-routing via the nearest available route

- A trip on another convenient date at no extra cost

If the delay is at least 60 minutes and the passenger continues their journey, compensation is usually 25% of the ticket price. For delays of 120 minutes or more, it is 50%. A strike by the railway carrier’s own employees is not considered an extraordinary circumstance, so the company cannot automatically refuse to pay compensation.

If a flight is canceled

The airline must offer a refund or an alternative flight. While waiting, the passenger is also entitled to meals, beverages, and, if necessary, hotel accommodations and a transfer.

A strike by air traffic controllers is generally considered a circumstance beyond the airline’s control. Therefore, standard compensation under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 is usually not paid. However, the right to a refund, re-routing, and basic services remains.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or luggage problems can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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