The summer travel season in Europe is kicking off amid widespread strikes by aviation workers. Protests have already been announced in Portugal, Belgium, France, and Italy, which could result in hundreds of canceled flights and significant delays. Here’s where disruptions are expected and how passengers can prepare for their trips

For many European airports, the summer of 2026 is beginning not only with an increase in passenger traffic but also with a wave of strikes. Employees of airlines, ground handling services, airports, and air traffic control centers in various countries are demanding better working conditions and a review of labor laws. As a result, travelers may face flight cancellations, long delays, and connection issues.

The highest risk is currently reported in Portugal, Belgium, France, and Italy. Some strikes have already been officially confirmed, and others could affect hundreds of flights in a single day. If you are planning a trip to Europe in the coming weeks, it is worth checking in advance whether your route passes through countries where disruptions in the aviation industry are expected.

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In Portugal, over 500 flights may be canceled on June 3 due to a nationwide strike

The most significant disruptions in the coming days are expected in Portugal. A nationwide strike is scheduled for June 3, 2026, joined by transportation workers, aviation sector unions, and members of the SNPVAC flight attendants’ union.

According to industry experts, the strike could affect more than 500 flights across the country. The greatest difficulties are expected at the following airports:

- Lisbon

- Porto

- Faro

- Funchal (Madeira)

- Ponta Delgada (Azores)

The national airline TAP Air Portugal remains particularly vulnerable. According to preliminary estimates, the carrier may cancel up to 300 flights in a single day. At the same time, disruptions may affect not only air travel but also the metro, buses, railways, and ferry services, complicating transfers to airports.

Many experts also warn that the effects of the strike may be felt beyond June 3. Due to schedule changes and aircraft re-routing, delays are possible for several days after the protest ends.

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Belgium: Air traffic halted due to air traffic controllers’ strike

Belgium has already faced one of the most serious aviation disruptions this summer. On June 2, 2026, due to an unannounced strike by air traffic control staff, the country effectively lost the ability to handle civilian flights temporarily.

According to Brussels Airport, air traffic over Belgium was completely suspended from 12:00 to 19:00 GMT. Airlines were forced to cancel all scheduled flights during this period, and some aircraft were rerouted to neighboring countries.

The most affected were:

- Brussels Airport

- Brussels South Charleroi Airport

- Liège Airport

- Transit routes through Belgium to other European countries

For passengers, the problem is not limited to flight cancellations on the day of the strike.

Even after air traffic control services resume, airlines need time to get planes and crews back on schedule. That is why delays and flight rescheduling may continue for several days after the protest ends.

Belgium remains one of the European countries most prone to transport strikes. In the past year and a half alone, the country has experienced several nationwide protests that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights in Brussels and Charleroi. The British Foreign Office even issues a separate warning to travelers about regular strikes that can be announced at very short notice.

Tourists planning to travel through Belgium this summer should closely monitor airline announcements and allow extra time for connections, especially if their route passes through Brussels—one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs.

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In France, a strike on June 18 will affect Paris’s three largest airports

The next country where passengers may face disruptions is France. On June 18, 2026, airport workers’ unions announced a one-day strike that will affect three key air gateways of the French capital:

- Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

- Paris-Orly (ORY)

- Le Bourget (LBG)

The conflict stems from new rules regarding the issuance and renewal of access passes to high-security zones. The unions believe that the stricter requirements could lead to job losses among some airport employees due to administrative procedures not directly related to flight safety.

Employees from various departments may be affected by the strike:

- Baggage handling

- Passenger check-in

- Ground handling

- Security

- Airport service and commercial areas

No mass flight cancellations have been announced at this time; however, travelers should be prepared for longer check-in lines, baggage claim delays, longer boarding times, and possible schedule changes for individual flights. The greatest risk is for passengers using Paris as a transit hub. Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the largest in Europe and handles hundreds of international routes daily, so even local disruptions in ground services can affect connecting flights across the continent.

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Airports in Italy are preparing for large-scale strikes on June 13 and 26

Italy traditionally remains one of the European countries where transport strikes occur most frequently. June 2026 is no exception—several protests have already been announced for this month, which may affect both domestic and international flights.

The first large-scale strike is scheduled for June 13. It may involve certain categories of aviation industry workers, including ground handling staff and air traffic controllers in certain regions of the country.

A second, much larger strike is scheduled for June 26. This is a 24-hour protest by ground handling staff that could potentially disrupt operations at the country’s largest airports.

Airports where disruptions are possible include:

- Rome-Fiumicino

- Milan-Malpensa

- Milan-Linate

- Naples

- Venice

- Bologna

In addition to the aviation sector, strikes are also expected in other modes of transportation in Italy. This means that even if a flight departs on schedule, travelers may face difficulties while traveling to the airport or upon arrival at their destination.

A distinctive feature of Italian strikes is that the country’s legislation provides for so-called fasce di garanzia—guaranteed time slots during which a portion of transport services must be provided even during protests. However, this does not rule out delays, schedule changes, and cancellations of individual flights, especially during peak hours.

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What rights do passengers have in the event of a flight cancellation or delay in the EU?

If your flight was canceled or significantly delayed due to a strike, this does not always mean you automatically lose the money for your ticket. In European Union countries, Regulation EC 261/2004 applies, which defines passengers’ rights in such situations.

Depending on the circumstances, travelers may be entitled to:

- A full refund of the ticket price

- An alternative flight to the destination

- Food and drinks while waiting

- Hotel accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay

- Transportation between the airport and the hotel

- Financial compensation in certain cases

The amount of compensation can range from 250 to 600 euros, depending on the distance of the route and the duration of the delay. At the same time, it is important to understand that strikes do not always entitle passengers to financial compensation. If the protest falls under the category of “extraordinary circumstances,” the airline may be exempt from paying compensation, although it is still obligated to provide assistance to the passenger and offer a refund or an alternative flight.

Special attention should be paid to notifications from the carrier. If the airline warned of the flight cancellation in advance and offered an equivalent alternative, the right to compensation may not apply. That is why it is important to regularly check your email, SMS messages, and the carrier’s mobile app before traveling.

In case of problems, experts advise keeping boarding passes, receipts for additional expenses, and all communications from the airline. These documents may be needed to file a claim for compensation or a refund.

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How to prepare for travel during the wave of strikes in Europe?

Despite numerous strikes, most flights in Europe this summer will still operate. However, travelers should consider potential risks in advance, especially if the itinerary includes layovers or travel through major international hubs.

Before departure, it is recommended to check for information on possible strikes in your destination country and regularly monitor your flight status on the airport or airline’s website. If your trip includes a layover, it is best to avoid overly short connections, as even a minor delay could cause you to miss your next flight.

It’s also a good idea to download the carrier’s mobile app in advance to receive timely notifications about schedule changes. Travel insurance, which covers certain expenses related to delays or trip cancellations, can provide additional protection.

Summer is traditionally the busiest season for European aviation, and strikes only add to the strain on the transportation system. Therefore, careful route planning and keeping up with the latest news will help you avoid unnecessary stress and make your trip as comfortable as possible.

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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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