Airport workers across Europe are staging walkouts to protest what unions describe as unfair and low wages.
Many employees accuse employers of showing “Grinch-style” behavior during one of the busiest travel seasons.
Christmas and winter holidays now often coincide with strikes, as workers deliberately target peak travel periods.
They hope the timing increases pressure on employers to improve pay and working conditions.
Some strikes appear on schedules months ahead, allowing travelers time to prepare.
Others emerge suddenly, sometimes only days or hours before they begin.
Passengers should check travel updates regularly to avoid last-minute disruption.
With Christmas fast approaching, several airport and rail strikes will affect Europe in December.
Canceled or delayed flights and trains may qualify passengers for new tickets or compensation.
Travelers should review airline and rail policies to understand their rights.
Italy Braces for Coordinated Airport Action
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will take part in a coordinated strike.
The action will involve ground staff, airline crews, and air traffic controllers.
ENAV air traffic control staff at Rome airport will join the walkout.
Assohandlers employees will also strike, covering ground services at major Italian airports.
These staff members support airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Workers at ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, will participate.
Vueling staff and ground crews for Air France and KLM will also walk out.
The strike will last from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Despite the limited hours, disruption may continue throughout the day.
Passengers should expect delays, longer queues, and baggage handling issues.
Airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania may face the greatest impact.
Italy’s aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights.
UK and Spain Face Ongoing Holiday Disruption
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December.
They will resume strike action from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers may experience delays at check-in desks and baggage areas.
London Heathrow Airport also expects Christmas disruption.
Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to hubs such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo may face cancellations.
The union Unite says poor pay has forced some workers to rely on food banks.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford accused SAS of exploiting staff goodwill.
He said the airline now bears responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, Ryanair passengers continue to face disruption from baggage handling strikes.
Azul Handling staff have staged weekly walkouts since the summer.
Workers demand better conditions, fair bonuses, and improved job security.
Until 31 December, staff will strike several days each week.
They will walk out during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Airports affected include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, Valencia, and Tenerife South.
More Italian Airport Strikes Expected in January
Italy will face further travel disruption in the new year.
On 9 January, the CUB Transporti union has called a nationwide airport strike.
Ground staff will walk out from 1 pm to 5 pm across the country.
Swissport Italia ground staff at Milan Linate Airport will strike for 24 hours the same day.
Flight delays and cancellations remain likely.
Additional disruption may hit Verona airport on 31 January.
ENAV air traffic control staff plan to strike on that date.
ENAC has released another list of guaranteed flights for affected passengers.
