Plan your holidays accordingly.
It’s going to be a busy summer. Travel is expected to equal pre-pandemic levels. Already this Memorial Day Weekend, the Transport Security Administration screened 12.4 million people, 180,000 more passengers than 2019.
Europe is always a hot destination this time of the year, but it turned into a nightmare in 2022. Half of all flights in Europe were delayed last summer and nearly 2,000 flights were cancelled every day. There were long queues outside airports and the chaos of lost luggage made air travel hellish after people returned to the skies in large numbers.
This year, however, airlines have cut schedules, hired more people, and introduced passenger caps to deal with the growing number of travelers. There is one thing that’s still looming as a possible disruptor this summer: strikes.
Related: 10 Cities Will Be Slammed as European Travel Expected to Grow 55% This Summer
Multiple countries in Europe are dealing with protests and strikes for various reasons. In France, ongoing protests stem from the increase in retirement age, while Italy and the U.K. have workers walking out to demand better pay.
If you’re flying across the pond this year, remember that these strikes by airport and railway staff may affect your holiday. So, know in advance what’s happening where and prepare a plan B.
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England
Security staff at London’s busiest airport, Heathrow Airport, are walking out due to low wages. This summer, 2,000 members are expected to strike. The union, Unite, had planned for 31 days of action, but it has reduced it to 29 days thanks to an improved pay offer. It will still go ahead with other planned days.
– June 28-30
– July 14-18, 21-24, 28-31
– August 4-7, 11-14, 18-20, 24-27
Heathrow said that it managed the strikes in May without any delays and they will be able to deliver services during the summer rush, too.
Unite has also warned that Birmingham security officers and technicians and refuelers are also balloting for strike over pay cuts. “Strikes could begin as early as July and would severely impact Birmingham Airport’s operations, leading to significant delays and canceled flights,” the statement said.
In Manchester, 360 bus drivers are planning a strike on July 3, 4, 7, 11, and 13 over a pay dispute.
Italy
Another European country being hit on multiple fronts by unions is Italy. On June 20, baggage handlers and air traffic controllers staged a 24-hour walkout that affected Rome, Pisa, Naples, Milan, and Florence airports. RyanAir said in a statement that it had to cut some flights as a result.
Now a nationwide transport strike is planned for July 7. Trains, metros, buses, and ferry services will be affected for 24 hours and ground staff at airports will hold their own protests on the day. There will be minimum service until 8:29 a.m. and from 5:01 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. on July 7.
Delays and cancellations are also expected on July 15 when air traffic controllers will participate in a nationwide, 24-hour industrial action.
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France
Pension reforms in France—including increasing the retirement age from 62 to 64—have led to nationwide protests. Workers have been mobilizing for months, staging walk-outs and demonstrating on the streets. In January, more than a million joined protests in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseilles, and Lyon. In another major day of protest in March, railway and airline services were disrupted when rail workers and air traffic controllers staged a walkout. The Eiffel Tower also shut down and pension protests turned violent. On May 1, tensions rose again and protesters clashed with the police. On June 6, air traffic controllers went on a strike again, leaving Ryanair to cancel 400 flights.
According to the airline, industrial action has caused 4,000 cancellations so far in 2023. Overflight cancellations are common when ATCs don’t show up—they guide planes in the country’s airspace, so airlines need them even if they aren’t landing or taking off in France.
The battle between the government and the unions is ongoing. The plans for more action haven’t been announced yet.
Related: Is Your Trip to France Ruined Now That They’ve Banned Short-Haul Flights?
Sweden
State-owned Swedavia Airports has warned that security contractors at Swedish airports might be involved in strike action this July.
On July 3, 7, 10, and 14, all work by airport screeners will be stopped at Bromma Stockholm and Göteborg Landvetter airports. At Stockholm Arlanda Airport, a halt in screening and road blockages are planned on July 5-6 and July 12-13.
Spain
Air Europa isn’t flying high lately. The Spanish airline has been facing financial troubles since the pandemic and the first attempt by British Airways’ owner International Airlines Group to buy it was rejected. The second attempt is pending the E.U.’s approval.
Now the pilots are going on strike after salary negotiations fell through. From June 18-July 2, around 150 flights with departures from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Cordoba (Argentina), and more will be affected according to the airline.
Air Nostrum pilots have been on indefinite strike since February over a wage dispute with the airline. Although it started with strikes on Mondays and Fridays, now the strikes take place Monday to Friday.
Even H&M workers in Spain are going on strike on June 22 and June 26 to demand better pay.
Related: Avoid These Common Mistakes When Renting a Car in Europe
Apart from these, Lufthansa pilots are also threatening strikes in July if negotiations with the carrier fail. The truce is called until June 30, and the airline has given a new offer to prevent its 5,000 employees from walking out.
Wow. We flew BA LONG haul during a cabin crew strike. Supervisors were doing some cabin service and outwardly NOT happy about it.
It hasn't been "The World's Favourite Airlines" for a long time, and this left a lifelong bitter taste.
You also are Sponsored or have ads, by companies in country's you haven't even mentioned in your article who's workers are striking right now. If you trying to give people an accurate picture of the situation, involve the countries that fund your website but of course you won't,also include rail strikes in your story if you want to accurately tell your story. There are more than another 12 countries in Europe affected by strikes Air ,Rail and coach if you want to write a professional piece of journalism then don't be lazy and submit a full timetable of all of Europe's potential strikes
What a load of crap, it's shameful your publication has jumped on the holiday at home bandwagon. Did you inform your readers if they want to holiday at home in the UK they would have to worry about strikes on the rail service. Oops no you didn't it's a disgrace, that you are ruining people's 2 weeks holiday by publishing such drivel. You can still get to the south of Spain quicker than someone from London travelling to the Lake District fact. I'm proud the great British public don't listen because. We have had the best 3 months trade since COVID, So carry on with your alarmist stories no one is listening
Heathrow strikes for summer now cancelled but all the train strikes still going ahead