Airport workers across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as unfair and low-paid working conditions.
Many accuse employers of acting without compassion during the Christmas season, calling their approach “Grinch-style” behavior.
Holiday travel now regularly overlaps with strike action, as workers choose the busiest time of year to make demands heard.
They believe the pressure of peak travel gives them leverage to push for better pay and improved conditions.
Some strikes appear on schedules months in advance, giving travelers time to plan.
Others arrive with little warning, sometimes just hours before action begins.
Checking travel plans before departure can help passengers avoid sudden disruption.
With Christmas fast approaching, multiple train and airport strikes are planned across Europe this December.
Passengers facing cancellations or long delays may qualify for replacement tickets or compensation.
Travelers should review airline and rail policies to understand their rights.
Italy Braces for Widespread Airport Action
On 17 December, airport workers across Italy will stage coordinated strike action.
Ground handlers, airline crews, and air traffic controllers will all take part.
ENAV air traffic control staff at Rome airport will join the walkout.
Assohandlers employees, who provide ground services at major airports, will also strike.
Their work supports airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
Employees at ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, will participate as well.
Vueling staff and ground crews for Air France and KLM will also walk out.
The strike will officially run from 1 pm to 5 pm.
However, travelers may see disruptions throughout the day.
Passengers could face flight delays, longer check-in lines, and baggage handling problems.
Major airports affected include Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Catania.
Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has published a list of guaranteed flights.
UK and Spain Face Ongoing Holiday Disruptions
In the UK, easyJet ground staff at London Luton Airport will strike from 19 to 22 December.
They will walk out again from 26 to 29 December.
Passengers should expect possible delays with baggage and check-in services.
London Heathrow Airport also expects Christmas travel disruption.
Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew will strike from 22 to 24 December and again on 26 December.
Flights to hubs including Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are likely to feel the impact.
Unite union members say low pay has forced some staff to rely on food banks while working abroad.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford accused SAS of exploiting staff goodwill.
He said the airline will now bear responsibility for canceled Christmas flights.
In Spain, baggage handling strikes continue at Ryanair-served airports.
Azul Handling staff have staged regular walkouts since the summer.
Workers demand better conditions, fair bonuses, and more job security.
Until 31 December, staff will strike on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
They will walk out during early mornings, afternoons, and late evenings.
Passengers may face delays at airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia.
Other affected airports include Alicante, Ibiza, Tenerife South, Seville, Girona, and Santiago de Compostela.
More Italian Airport Strikes Planned for January
Italy will face further airport disruption after the holidays.
On 9 January, the CUB Transporti union has called a nationwide four-hour strike.
Ground staff will walk out from 1 pm to 5 pm at airports across the country.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely.
On the same day, Swissport Italia ground staff at Milan Linate Airport plan a 24-hour strike.
Additional disruption may hit Verona airport on 31 January.
ENAV air traffic control staff plan to walk out on that date.
ENAC has released another list of guaranteed flights for affected passengers.
