It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis and the resounding impact of pandemic-era pay cuts, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too.
Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have been going on strike. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France, airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action.
Strikes can, of course, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them.
Air traffic control strikes in France, Italy and Spain
According to travel advisors from Global Work & Travel, coordinated air traffic control strikes have been planned across several core destinations in Europe, which will likely cause delays and have a knock-on effect elsewhere due to rerouting and congestion.
In France, a nationwide ATC strike is planned on April 18-19 and 25, with the potential for this to be extended.
In Italy, a 24-hour strike is set to affect all the country’s major airports on April 19, and in Spain, there’ll be rolling strikes by air traffic controllers in Madrid and Barcelona between April 20-30.
Potential air traffic control strikes in Germany and Belgium
While dates haven’t been confirmed yet, there is also the potential for industrial action at airports in Belgium and Germany, which could be announced with short notice. Travellers are being encouraged to remain as flexible as possible with plans and check their flight status regularly.
What happens if your airline goes on strike?
If strikes cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled, the airline is usually obliged to help you and/or provide compensation. However, this often depends on the conditions of your airline – some airlines won’t cover strikes out of their control, such as airport or baggage handler strikes. Your compensation also depends on the extent of your travel insurance. These should both be easily accessed on either your airline or insurer’s website.
If you book your flight already knowing that a strike is set to take place (ie. it’s already been announced by the union), you are exceptionally unlikely to receive compensation. Before you book, be sure to check for any strike dates not just at your intended airline but also at departure and arrival airports.
Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that the threat of a strike is exactly that: a threat. Strikes are primarily used as bargaining chips in negotiations between unions and employers, so there’s always the chance that both sides will come to an agreement before one actually takes place.
In any case, if your journey involves any of the above airlines, destinations and dates, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status and prepare for a more disrupted journey than expected.