Christmas and New Year Travel in Europe at Risk Due to Airport Strikes, Get the Details Here

Published on December 16, 2025

With the festive season fast-approaching, travelers heading to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the UK for Christmas and New Year celebrations are being advised of possible travel disruptions. This is due to a series of strikes called by airline, airport, and other staff in the region. Strikes against airlines, airports, and other staff have been scheduled across Europe in December, many of which will occur during the peak travel season of Christmas and New Year.

Spain: Ongoing Ryanair Strike Causes Major Disruptions

The most significant disruption is currently being felt in Spain, where a prolonged strike by workers of Azul Handling, a ground-handling company that serves the Ryanair Group, has been ongoing since August. The strike is scheduled to continue through the end of December, causing widespread issues at multiple airports. Azul Handling employees, including baggage handlers and ground staff, have staged walkouts several times a day, resulting in severe delays, baggage handling issues, and aircraft turnaround problems.

The strike is affecting five airports in the Canary Islands, as well as several airports on mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. While Ryanair has assured passengers that it does not plan to cancel flights, the airline has acknowledged that delays are inevitable, and travelers should prepare for potential issues. As this industrial action continues into the holiday season, it could have a major impact on the holiday travel plans of thousands of tourists heading to and from Spain.

The most affected airports include Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Barcelona-El Prat. As one of Europe’s busiest low-cost carriers, Ryanair serves a significant number of travelers who rely on its flights for affordable and convenient holiday travel. The strike’s timing, coinciding with the Christmas and New Year holiday rush, means that many vacationers and holidaymakers may face long waits, delayed departures, or even missed connections as the strike continues.

United Kingdom: London Luton Airport Hit by Strike Action

Travelers flying from the United Kingdom, particularly those using London Luton Airport, are also facing challenges due to strike action by ground-handling staff employed by DHL. This strike is set to affect operations during two major periods in December, specifically from December 19-22 and December 26-29.

The industrial action, which involves more than 400 affected flights, will likely cause significant disruption to both departures and arrivals at one of London’s busiest airports. While Luton Airport has yet to confirm the exact details of which flights will be impacted, authorities have urged passengers to stay vigilant and check with their airlines for the latest updates.

London Luton Airport is a key gateway for travelers flying to and from various European and international destinations. The strike comes at an especially challenging time, as the 19th to 22nd of December and the 26th to 29th are among the peak travel days of the year. Families, business travelers, and holidaymakers alike will be impacted by the disruption, with many potentially facing missed flights, long delays, and heightened stress as they navigate the busy holiday season.

Portugal and Italy: Further Strikes Expected

Portugal and Italy, two other major European travel hubs, are also facing planned strikes within the aviation sector, although specific dates and details of these actions have yet to be fully confirmed. Both countries are known for attracting large numbers of holiday travelers during the festive season, with popular destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, Rome, and Milan seeing an influx of tourists.

In Portugal, strike action by aviation employees, including air traffic controllers and ground staff, has been announced for December. Authorities have cautioned travelers to stay alert for any updates or changes in flight schedules, as the strikes could potentially impact both domestic and international flights. While the exact dates of the strikes remain unclear, the timing is problematic as it coincides with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Passengers are advised to remain flexible with their travel plans and check for last-minute updates from airlines and airports.

Similarly, in Italy, planned strikes by airport workers are expected to take place throughout December. The industrial actions are aimed at addressing worker concerns regarding pay, working conditions, and job security. While no specific dates have been confirmed yet, travelers flying to popular Italian destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan should expect possible delays and disruptions as the strikes unfold.

Impact on Travelers and Tourists

The ongoing strikes across multiple European airports are likely to have a significant impact on travelers, particularly those heading to popular holiday destinations. Tourists planning Christmas and New Year getaways in Spain, Portugal, and Italy are at risk of encountering long delays, canceled flights, and lost luggage. With many travelers booking last-minute flights and holiday packages, the strikes are sure to create confusion and frustration, particularly for those who may already have tight travel schedules or limited options for rebooking.

In addition to delays, the strikes will also impact the flow of holiday tourists throughout Europe. Popular winter destinations such as Spain’s Canary Islands, Italy’s ski resorts, and Portugal’s coastal towns could see a reduction in the number of visitors due to disruptions in flight schedules. With the holiday season being a prime time for family vacations, winter sports enthusiasts, and cultural tourism, these disruptions could dampen the tourism industry in affected regions.

What Can Travelers Do to Prepare?

Travelers planning trips to Europe during this time should take several steps to prepare for the potential disruptions caused by the strikes. First and foremost, they should regularly check the status of their flights with their airline to stay up-to-date on any changes to schedules or cancellations. Additionally, passengers should plan for extra time at the airport to account for longer security lines, potential baggage delays, and overall disruptions in operations.

It is also recommended that travelers book flexible tickets or insurance policies that allow for rebooking or compensation in the event of delays or cancellations. For those traveling during peak periods, such as the days immediately before or after Christmas and New Year, having backup plans and being prepared for longer-than-usual travel times can help reduce stress.

A Challenging Holiday Travel Season for European Tourists

With the holiday season looming, the ongoing strikes in various major European airports make travel to popular holiday spots even more uncertain. With several airport strikes taking place in Spain, the UK, Portugal, and Italy, holiday-goers must be aware of what is going on and adjust accordingly. Take the ongoing airport strike in Spain, the London Luton airport disruption running into several days, or what is expected to go down in Portugal and Italy. There is no doubting that travel will not be smooth.