December airline and airport strikes threaten Christmas travel in Spain, the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Find out which airports will be affected and how to prepare for your trip

December 2025 promises to be a real travel chaos across Europe, as millions of people prepare for their winter holidays or to fly home to see their families. However, a wave of airline and airport strikes planned for the Christmas and New Year holidays could seriously spoil the holiday.

Spain, the UK, Portugal and Italy will be the hardest hit, where delays and cancellations could seriously affect millions of passengers during the Christmas and New Year holidays. More details in this article.

Traveling in Europe during strikes is a real challenge, but travel insurance will help avoid unnecessary costs and stress. The policy will cover delays, flight cancellations, lost luggage and other unforeseen situations.

Get insurance before your trip - and enjoy your travels, even if the transport system fails. Protect your vacation in advance!

Spain: Baggage problems at key airports

Spain is already experiencing disruptions due to a strike by cargo workers at Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group. The protest began on August 15, 2025 and will last until December 31, covering the holiday period.

The strikes will take place four days a week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) in three time slots:

- 5:00–9:00;

- 12:00–15:00;

- 21:00–23:59

They could lead to flight delays, problems with baggage delivery and increased waiting times at airports. The following airports will be affected:

- Canary Islands: Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife North, Tenerife South.

- Mainland Spain and Balearic Islands: Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia.

Ryanair says it will try to stick to its schedule, but delays due to strikes cannot be completely ruled out.

UK: Four-day strike at London-Luton

London's Luton airport will face major disruption due to a strike by DHL ground staff. The strike will take place in two phases:

- December 19-22;

- December 26-29

This could affect more than 400 flights, affecting thousands of passengers, especially budget travelers.

How to prepare for transport chaos in Europe in December 2025?

To minimize risks and avoid stress, experts recommend:

- Constantly check the status of flights and trains

Use the official websites of airlines, railways and mobile applications to track changes in real time.

- Buy tickets with flexible conditions

Flexible fares allow you to change dates or cancel your trip without penalty.

- Plan alternative routes

Buses, private transfers or domestic flights can be a life-saving replacement if rail or air services are paralyzed.

- Take out travel insurance

A policy that covers delays and cancellations due to strikes will help avoid financial losses.

- Follow the news

Trade unions often intensify or soften their actions - stay informed so you can react quickly to changes.

The holiday tourist season in Europe is approaching its peak, and these strikes can be a serious test for passengers. Careful planning and flexibility will help you avoid unnecessary travel problems.

Planning a trip to Europe in December? Given the large-scale strikes in Spain, the UK and other countries around the world, travel insurance is becoming not just a recommendation, but a necessity. A policy that covers delays, flight cancellations and additional costs in case of a change of route will help you avoid financial losses and maintain peace of mind during a period of transport instability.

Ensure yourself with confidence and comfort in any situation - choose travel insurance before starting your winter trip to Europe!

Reminder! Holiday travel is a time of joy, new experiences and long-awaited relaxation, but so that unforeseen situations do not spoil your plans, it is important to take care of protection in advance. Find out why travel insurance for the holiday period is not an expense, but a guarantee of safety, peace of mind and financial protection during your vacation.

Photo – Pixabay

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