Airport workers across Europe are staging walkouts to protest low wages and poor treatment by employers.
Unions describe employer behavior as mean-spirited, especially during the costly Christmas travel season.
Holiday travel increasingly overlaps with strikes as workers choose the busiest weeks to press their demands.
They believe heavy travel volumes give them stronger leverage for better pay and conditions.
Some unions announce strikes months ahead to warn travelers and employers.
Other actions appear suddenly, sometimes hours before they begin.
Passengers should always check travel updates to avoid unexpected delays or cancellations.
With Christmas approaching quickly, several airport and rail strikes will affect European travel this December.
Canceled or delayed trips may qualify passengers for refunds, rebooking, or financial compensation.
Travelers should review airline and rail policies carefully before departing.
Italy Braces for Nationwide Airport Action
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will carry out coordinated strike action.
The strike will involve ground handlers, airline crews, and air traffic controllers.
ENAV air traffic control staff at Rome airport will participate in the walkout.
Assohandlers employees will also strike while supporting major airlines at Italian airports.
These airlines include Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Workers at ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, will also join the action.
Vueling staff and ground crews for Air France and KLM will participate as well.
The walkout will last four hours, running from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Airports may still experience disruption throughout the entire day.
Passengers could face flight delays and longer queues at check-in and baggage areas.
Airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania may see significant disruption.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of protected flights.
UK and Spain Face Ongoing Holiday Chaos
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December.
They will also walk out again between 26 and 29 December.
Passengers may encounter delays with baggage handling and check-in services.
London Heathrow Airport also expects disruption during the Christmas period.
Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December.
They will also strike again on 26 December.
Flights to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are likely to suffer cancellations or delays.
Unite union members say low pay forces some workers to use food banks while traveling.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford criticized SAS for exploiting staff goodwill.
He said the airline now bears responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, baggage handlers working for Azul Handling continue regular strike action.
These workers support Ryanair operations at Spanish airports.
They have protested since summer over pay, bonuses, and job security.
Until 31 December, staff will strike several days each week.
They will walk out during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Passengers may face delays at Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma airports.
Other affected airports include Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, and Valencia.
More Italian Strikes Planned for the New Year
Italy will face further airport disruption after the Christmas period.
On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a nationwide strike by ground staff.
The action will last four hours, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Airports across the country may experience flight delays and cancellations.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will also strike that day.
Their walkout will last a full 24 hours.
Additional disruption may affect Verona airport later in January.
ENAV air traffic control staff will strike there on 31 January.
ENAC has released another list of guaranteed flights for travelers.
