Europe Is Set To Be Plagued By Travel Disruptions In The First 10 Days Of October As Strikes In Greece, France, Italy, And The Netherlands Ground Flights And Cause Widespread Cancellations : What You Need To Know

Published on September 27, 2025

Europe is set to face significant aviation disruptions in early October, with major air traffic control and labor strikes planned across Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. These strikes, organized by unions demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and extended working hours, will lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays, severely impacting air travel. As airlines scramble to adjust and offer flexible solutions, travelers must prepare for potential chaos at major European airports. This article breaks down the details of the strikes, their expected impact on flights, and offers essential tips on how to navigate the disruptions effectively.

Europe is set to face significant aviation disruptions in early October, with major air traffic control and labor strikes planned across Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Strikes organized by unions pertaining to working conditions, pay, and overtime will result in even more fallout in the air travel sector. There are going to cancellation and delays of flights along with air travel disruptions. Adjusting to the unpredictable situation, many travellers will face disorder at key airports in Europe. This disruption will be in the form of strikes which are detailed in this report and will be analysed thoroughly in this paper. There will be recommendations on managing the expected air travel disruption globally.

As October 2025 approaches, Europe braces for a series of air traffic control strikes and labor actions, potentially causing significant disruptions to air travel. These strikes, organized across several European countries—Greece, Italy, France, and the Netherlands—are set to create chaos for travelers, resulting in flight cancellations, delays, and the need for flexible travel plans. This article provides essential details about the upcoming strikes, their expected impact on travel, and the measures airlines are taking to help passengers manage the disruptions.

Europe Braces for October Aviation Disruptions: Key Strikes Across Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands

The first 10 days of October will witness multiple air traffic controller strikes and labor actions aimed at addressing pay disparities, working conditions, and the extension of working hours. Airlines, airports, and passengers are urged to prepare for potential turbulence, both in the air and on the ground. While airlines have implemented measures to assist affected passengers, the situation calls for continuous monitoring of flight statuses.

Greece Faces Air Travel Standstill: October 1st Air Traffic Control Strike Explained

Greece is set to experience a nationwide 24-hour general strike on October 1, 2025, organized by the civil service union ADEDY. The strike targets a controversial new labor law that extends the daily working limit to 13 hours, which many workers in Greece view as an infringement on their rights. Air traffic controllers will join in solidarity, leading to widespread disruptions at major Greek airports, including Athens International Airport.

The strike will likely lead to extensive flight cancellations and delays, particularly affecting airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. Both airlines have already introduced measures to help passengers, offering ticket changes without fees and the option to receive credit vouchers for future travel. These options remain available until the status of the strike is confirmed by judicial authorities. If the courts suspend the strike, flight schedules will be restored to normal.

For travelers planning to fly in and out of Greece on October 1, staying updated on flight statuses and contacting the airline for rebooking options is critical. Passengers should also be aware that other international carriers may experience knock-on delays, particularly those operating through Athens.

October 7–10: France’s Air Traffic Strikes Create Major Travel Challenges

In France, a major air traffic controller strike is set to disrupt travel from October 7 to October 10, 2025. This strike, organized by the union SNCTA, is in response to demands for increased wages, better working conditions, and the modernization of air traffic control equipment. The strike will affect both domestic and international flights, with severe disruptions expected at airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Nice, and Lyon.

Air France has already announced the possibility of widespread cancellations and delays. In response to the disruption, Air France is offering free rebooking options for affected passengers, while Ryanair has warned of up to 700 cancellations, affecting more than 125,000 passengers across Europe. Many other European carriers are also expected to be impacted.

Passengers traveling to or from France during this period should carefully monitor updates from their airline. Rebooking flights in advance and exploring alternative routes may be essential to avoid significant disruptions. Additionally, passengers should consider adjusting their travel dates if possible, as the strike could severely affect the flow of air traffic.

Italy’s National Air Transport Strike: Key Travel Information for October 2–3

Italy’s air transport sector is also set to face a disruption as airline crews, ground staff, and airport workers go on strike on October 2–3, 2025. The strike is in response to ongoing labor disputes concerning pay raises, improved working conditions, and other contractual issues. The impact will be felt at Milan Malpensa, Bologna, and Pisa airports, with ripple effects likely at other airports across the country.

This strike will disrupt both domestic and international flights, with low-cost carriers such as Volotea and Wizz Air Malta among those most affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly for cancellations and rebooking options. Volotea and Wizz Air have already begun notifying passengers of potential cancellations.

Travelers planning to fly through Italy during the strike dates should be prepared for possible delays and cancellations. Using the flexible booking options offered by airlines is key to mitigating the impact of this disruption. Travelers should also consider alternative modes of transportation, such as train services, for short-haul travel within Italy.

KLM Ground Staff Strike: What to Expect at Schiphol Airport on October 1

The Netherlands will face its own disruption on October 1, 2025, when KLM ground staff at Schiphol Airport go on strike. The strike, organized by the FNV and CNV unions, is part of a labor dispute over pay increases and the introduction of a permanent early retirement scheme for staff engaged in physically demanding tasks. The strike is expected to last 8 hours, from 06:00 to 14:00 CEST, and will primarily affect ground operations at Schiphol.

The strike will result in delays and cancellations, particularly for KLM, which has already announced the cancellation of 119 flights scheduled for September 24 due to similar industrial action. Additional cancellations are expected on October 1, as ground operations remain severely impacted.

Passengers traveling with KLM or connecting through Schiphol on October 1 are advised to stay informed about their flight’s status. Delta Airlines, which operates through Schiphol, will also be affected, and passengers may face long wait times at the airport.

Strike Dates and Affected Airlines: A Complete Guide to Europe’s October Aviation Disruptions

How to Prepare for Disruptions: Key Steps for Travelers

With multiple strikes occurring across Europe in early October, it’s crucial for travelers to be proactive and well-prepared. Here are essential steps to minimize the impact of these disruptions:

• Check Airline Websites Regularly: Airlines such as Aegean, Air France, and KLM have dedicated pages for flight status updates, cancellations, and rebooking options. Ensure you’re aware of any changes to your flight.
• Consider Alternative Travel Plans: If you’re flying to or from a country affected by a strike, consider rebooking your flight on alternative dates or using different transportation methods, such as trains or buses.
• Utilize Flexible Ticket Options: Many airlines, including Aegean Airlines, are offering flexible ticket changes without fees. If your travel dates are flexible, consider adjusting your itinerary in advance to avoid major disruptions.
• Contact the Airline for Assistance: If your flight is canceled or delayed, reach out to your airline’s customer service immediately for compensation, rerouting, or refund options.
• Stay Updated Through News Outlets: Follow reliable news outlets for the latest updates on strike actions and the potential for further extensions. Keeping informed will help you stay ahead of any changes to flight schedules.

As Europe faces a series of strikes in early October, travelers must prepare for possible disruptions at major airports in Greece, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. With airlines offering flexible options to help passengers adjust their travel plans, it’s essential to remain informed and proactive.

Europe is set to face widespread aviation disruptions in early October due to major strikes across Greece, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. These labor actions, driven by demands for better working conditions and pay, will cause significant flight delays and cancellations.

By staying updated on strike developments and using available flexible booking options, passengers can minimize the impact of these disruptions. Whether you’re traveling to Greece for a holiday, connecting through Schiphol, or flying on a domestic flight in France or Italy, preparation is key to ensuring a smoother journey during this turbulent period.