Airport workers across Europe are taking action this festive season to protest low wages and difficult working conditions. Unions have described some employers’ behavior as “Grinch-like,” accusing them of taking advantage of staff during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. These strikes have become an increasingly common feature of Christmas and winter holidays, with workers deliberately targeting peak travel days to strengthen their demands for fairer pay and improved conditions.
Some strikes are planned well in advance, allowing passengers to adjust their plans. Others appear suddenly, with just hours’ notice, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives. Anyone planning to fly or take a train this December should double-check schedules and be prepared for delays or cancellations. Passengers affected by cancellations may be entitled to rebookings, refunds, or compensation, making it essential to know their rights before traveling.
Italy Prepares for Coordinated Airport Walkouts
On 17 December, airport staff across Italy will carry out coordinated strike action, affecting both ground crews and air traffic controllers. ENAV staff at Rome airport, who manage air traffic control, will join the walkout, alongside Assohandlers employees covering ground services at major airports. These workers provide essential support for airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
The strike will also include staff from Italy’s national carrier ITA Airways, Vueling Airlines, and ground crews for Air France and KLM. Scheduled to run from 1 pm to 5 pm, the walkout is expected to create delays throughout the day, with longer queues at check-in and baggage handling. Major airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania may be particularly affected. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights to help travelers plan.
UK and Spain Brace for Holiday Travel Chaos
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December, and again from 26 to 29 December, potentially causing delays with check-in and baggage handling. London Heathrow Airport will also experience disruption during the festive period. Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew will walk out from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December, affecting flights to major hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
Union representatives say low pay has forced some workers to rely on food banks while traveling to expensive hubs, prompting protests. Unite regional officer Callum Rochford criticized SAS for exploiting staff goodwill and warned that the airline is responsible for canceled flights during one of the busiest periods of the year.
In Spain, baggage handlers employed by Ryanair’s partner Azul Handling continue weekly strike action. Since summer, workers have protested over wages, bonuses, and job security. Until 31 December, strikes will occur on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with sessions during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings. Airports likely to face delays include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, Valencia, Girona, Lanzarote, Santiago de Compostela, and El Prat. Passengers should anticipate longer queues at check-in and baggage areas throughout the holiday season.
More Italian Strikes Loom in the New Year
Italy is set for further disruption in January. On 9 January, CUB Transporti has called a nationwide four-hour strike by ground staff from 1 pm to 5 pm. Travelers should expect delays and cancellations at airports across the country.
Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate Airport will also walk out on the same day for a full 24 hours. Later in the month, ENAV air traffic control staff at Verona airport will strike on 31 January. ENAC, Italy’s civil aviation authority, has released updated lists of guaranteed flights to help passengers navigate the upcoming disruptions.
Travelers this holiday season should prepare for delays, check updates frequently, and plan ahead. These strikes reflect growing frustration among airport and airline staff over pay and working conditions, but they also mean holiday journeys may be longer and more stressful than usual.
