According to reporting from international news outlets such as Euronews , AP News and The Independent, airport and transport workers across Europe have announced strike action during the peak Christmas travel period. These walkouts are largely linked to ongoing disputes over pay, working conditions and staff shortages, increasing the risk of delays and cancellations for holiday travellers.
This guide brings together verified strike information, outlines which countries and airports are affected, and explains what passengers can do to reduce disruption during their Christmas journeys.
Why Christmas Strikes Are So Disruptive in Europe
December travel in Europe operates close to full capacity even in normal conditions. Any reduction in staffing can ripple across entire airport systems.
Several factors make holiday strikes particularly disruptive:
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Flights are fuller, leaving fewer rebooking options
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Airport staffing levels are already stretched
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Weather-related delays amplify the impact of walkouts
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Many strikes involve ground handling or air traffic services, not just cabin crew
As reported by multiple European transport unions, unions intentionally choose high-impact travel periods to increase leverage during negotiations.
Italy: Coordinated Airport Walkouts on 17 December
Italy is one of the countries facing the most clearly defined strike action this December.
On 17 December, a coordinated four-hour walkout is planned between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, involving:
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Air traffic control staff employed by ENAV
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Ground handling workers represented by Assohandlers
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Cabin crew and ground staff at ITA Airways
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Vueling airline personnel
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Ground staff serving Air France and KLM
Major airports expected to feel the impact include Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice, Naples and Catania.
Although the strike window is limited, Italian aviation authorities warn that delays may occur throughout the day due to aircraft repositioning issues. Italy’s civil aviation authority has published a list of guaranteed flights, but travellers should expect longer queues at check-in and baggage claim.
United Kingdom: London Airports Under Pressure
London airports are also preparing for holiday disruption, particularly at Luton and Heathrow.
Luton Airport
From 19–22 December and again from 26–29 December, ground staff supporting easyJet operations at Luton Airport are scheduled to strike. These workers are responsible for:
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Check-in services
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Baggage handling
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Aircraft turnaround operations
Passengers may face slower processing times even if flights operate as scheduled.
Heathrow Airport
Additional disruption is expected at Heathrow between 22–24 December and 26 December, when Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew are set to walk out. Flights connecting London with Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo are most likely to be affected.
Union representatives have publicly stated that rising living costs in Scandinavian hubs have made existing pay agreements unsustainable.
Spain: Ongoing Baggage Handling Strikes
Spain’s disruption is not limited to a single day. According to multiple European news reports, baggage handling staff working for Azul Handling, a Ryanair partner, have been conducting rolling strikes since the summer.
Until 31 December, walkouts are scheduled on:
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Wednesdays
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Fridays
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Saturdays
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Sundays
Strike windows occur several times per day, including early morning and late evening hours.
Airports affected include Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Valencia, Seville, Ibiza and Tenerife South. The primary impact is expected in baggage delivery, check-in queues and aircraft turnaround times.
Portugal and Wider European Disruptions
Portugal experienced a nationwide general strike earlier in December that affected airports, rail services and urban transport. While the largest action has passed, unions have not ruled out further disruption if negotiations stall.
Meanwhile, international travel outlets report intermittent transport disruptions across parts of France, Switzerland and Belgium, particularly affecting rail connections to major airports. These secondary disruptions can be just as problematic for travellers relying on connections.
What Passengers Can Expect If Strikes Affect Their Trip
Even when flights are not cancelled outright, strike activity often causes:
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Extended check-in and security queues
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Delayed baggage delivery
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Missed connections
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Last-minute gate changes
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Rebookings to unfamiliar airports
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, European passenger rights regulations may entitle you to rebooking, refunds or compensation, depending on the circumstances.
How to Prepare for Christmas Travel During Strike Season
Travel experts recommend taking several precautions if you are flying in Europe this December:
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Check your airline’s flight status frequently in the 48 hours before departure
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Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
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Avoid tight connections when booking last-minute itineraries
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Keep essential items in carry-on luggage
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Download airline and airport apps for real-time updates
Many travellers also choose to ensure they have reliable mobile data access, particularly if they are rerouted to a different country or airport at short notice. Having instant connectivity can make it significantly easier to manage rebookings, accommodation changes and transport alternatives. Options such as a Europe eSIM can help travellers stay connected without relying on crowded airport Wi-Fi or closed SIM card kiosks.
Staying Flexible Is the Key to Stress-Free Travel
The common thread across all December 2025 strike reporting is uncertainty. Some walkouts are confirmed weeks in advance, while others are announced at the last minute. Flexibility, preparation and access to reliable information are the best tools travellers have.
If you are travelling through Europe this Christmas, stay informed, monitor official airline communications, and plan for longer airport stays than usual.