Europe Travel Set to Freeze as Greece Joins France, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain with New Strikes Disrupting Peak October Travel Frenzy, Everything You Need to Know

Published on September 27, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Europe’s travel is set to come to a standstill this October, as Greece faces nationwide strikes that will paralyze transport and tourism, followed by major disruptions in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, all of which are set to cripple travel across the continent. These disruptions are set to freeze some of Europe’s busiest airports, railways, and public transport, right in the middle of peak travel season. Massive rail and flight cancellation and delays are in cards as strikes are set to freeze Europe’s iconic destinations. Whether you’re flying, taking the train, or trying to move around cities, October’s travel chaos is going to be a real headache for many.

From nationwide strikes in France and Italy to targeted airport walkouts in the Netherlands and Spain, travelers across Europe are about to face unprecedented disruptions. Not to mention, a brand-new border entry system launching just as the chaos hits. It’s going to be a tough month for anyone crossing borders or trying to catch a flight.

But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about these strikes and how to navigate them. Keep reading to find out which countries are hitting pause on their transport networks, how this will affect your travel plans, and what you can do to stay ahead of the madness.

Greece: Life Pauses on October 1

If you’re heading to Greece at the start of October, circle October 1 in red — because the country will basically stop moving that day. We’re not talking about one group of workers walking out for a few hours. This is a full-blown, nationwide general strike where public sector unions, private sector unions, and even the seafarers’ federation are all on the same page. That means ferries, trains, schools, hospitals, government offices — the whole system — will feel it.

So what’s got everyone so fired up? A new labor law. Buried inside it is a rule that would stretch shifts up to 13 hours a day. Unions are calling it a throwback to the “dark ages.” On top of that, they want to bring back the extra month salaries workers lost during the austerity years, push through serious pay raises to keep up with inflation, and lock in a 35-hour, five-day workweek. In short, they’re not just angry, they’re drawing a line in the sand.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Ferries: From midnight to midnight, every ferry in the country stays tied up. If you had plans to hop between Athens and the islands, it’s not happening.
• Athens transport: The metro, buses, trolleys — all disrupted. Even taxis will be thin on the ground.
• Hospitals: Emergency rooms stay open, but if you’ve got an appointment or non-urgent surgery, expect it to be canceled.
• Schools: Teachers are in on it too, so classrooms will be locked up.
• Public services: Government offices won’t be running.
• Protests: Expect big marches, especially in Athens. They’re usually noisy but peaceful — though Greece has a history of these rallies boiling over, so best to steer clear if you’re a visitor.

Bottom line? October 1 is going to be rough. Greece will feel like it’s on pause, and if you’re traveling, you’ll need a Plan B. Move ferry trips to another day, avoid Athens city center, and don’t count on “just winging it.”

Why this strike stings more in 2025

What makes this walkout sting even harder is timing. Greece is in the middle of one of its busiest travel years ever. Airports and ports are packed, and the numbers prove it:

• By the end of August 2025, Greek airports had already handled about 57 million passengers, nearly 5% more than last year.
• In just the first seven months, traffic across all 39 commercial airports topped 44.7 million people — another nearly 5% bump.
• International arrivals alone hit 10.3 million by June, up almost 6% from 2024.
• If you count all inbound travel (air + land), Greece pulled in around 11.7 million visitors in the first half of the year.

So, the skies and seas are busier than ever — which means when the ferries dock and transport freezes, way more people are stranded than in years past. A day-long strike now ripples out to tens of millions of travelers and an economy that depends heavily on smooth tourism flows.

France: Two Waves of Chaos in Early October

If you thought Greece stopping for a day was bad, France is about to double down. October is shaping up to be brutal here, with two separate nationwide strikes in the space of ten days. First comes a huge general strike on October 2, and just when things can’t feel worse, the air traffic controllers plan to shut down French skies from October 7–10.

October 2: The general strike that stops everything

On Thursday, October 2, nearly every major union in France is teaming up for what they’re calling a “black day”. The coalition, known as the intersyndicale, includes all the big names — CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA, and more. They’ve been building momentum since September, when protests already drew up to a million people. This time, they’re aiming squarely at the government’s austerity-heavy budget plans for 2026.

Their demands are clear: scrap the pension reform, cancel civil service job cuts, reverse unemployment insurance changes, and walk back anything that chips away at the French social model. For unions, this isn’t just about pay or working hours — it’s about blocking a political program they see as unfair.

Here’s how it will hit:

• Trains: Expect massive cancellations across France. Unlike smaller strikes where most high-speed trains still ran, this one has all four main SNCF rail unions united. That means long-distance TGVs, regional TERs, and inter-city trains are all at risk.
• Paris metro & RER: Heavily disrupted. Most lines will barely run, except for the fully automated ones (Lines 1, 4, and 14). Suburban lines like the RER B, C, and D will be badly affected.
• Schools: Many primary and secondary schools will shut down. Unions representing teachers have already voted overwhelmingly to strike.
• Hospitals: Emergency services will stay open, but routine appointments and non-urgent care will be pushed back.
• Airports: While not an air traffic control strike, participation from public service workers could still cause delays.
• Streets: A big protest march is planned in Paris, with road blockades possible.

In short, France on October 2 will feel gridlocked — trains not running, schools closed, services frozen.

October 7–10: The skies close

Just five days later, the chaos shifts to the skies. The powerful SNCTA union, which represents most of France’s air traffic controllers, is walking out from the morning of October 7 through October 10.

This is a nightmare scenario for Europe, because about a third of all European flights pass through French airspace. Even if your plane isn’t landing in Paris, chances are it flies over France — and during this strike, that means rerouting, delays, or outright cancellations.

The SNCTA isn’t striking over politics like the general strike. Their fight is about pay increases to match inflation and years of what they call “brutal management” by France’s aviation authority. Talks broke down, and now they’re taking the most disruptive step possible.

The fallout:

• French airports: Expect mass cancellations and long delays.
• European airspace: Knock-on delays across the continent, even for flights that don’t touch France.
• Scale: Airlines estimate around 1 million travelers will be hit. Ryanair alone has already warned of more than 700 cancellations.
• Economic hit: Industry losses are pegged at over €120 million from this one strike.

Put simply: October 7–10 could be the worst European air disruption in years.

Why this hurts more in 2025

France is still one of Europe’s busiest travel gateways, and while I couldn’t find a perfect 2025 passenger number, the trends tell the story:

• French airports saw a 3.6% rise in passenger traffic in the first half of 2025 compared to last year.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle alone handled 70.3 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the world’s busiest hubs — and 2025 traffic is running higher.

So, shutting down French trains and skies in a year of rising demand means one thing: the ripple effect will be enormous, not just inside France but across Europe.

Italy: A Month of Rolling Travel Chaos

Italy is about to experience one of the most disruptive months of industrial action in years, and it all kicks off with two massive strikes on October 2. But that’s just the beginning. Get ready for rolling disruptions throughout the month, as unions target everything from railways to airports and public transport. If you’re planning to travel through Italy in October, this is definitely a situation where you’ll want to pay attention and adjust your plans accordingly.

October 2–3: Rail and General Strikes

On October 2, Italy’s rail network is going to grind to a halt. A 24-hour nationwide rail strike will affect both regional and long-distance services, and if you had plans to get around by train, you’re going to have to rethink things. It starts at 21:00 on October 2 and goes through until 20:59 on October 3. While there are guaranteed services (a small number of trains will still run), the reality is that most will be canceled. Expect delays if you’re traveling from city to city, especially for those long-haul rides.

But the rail strike isn’t alone. On October 3, there’s a general strike that includes public and private sector workers. So, while the trains are already struggling, the rest of Italy’s services won’t be much better. Public services, schools, healthcare, and more will be affected, meaning there will be widespread closures and disruptions throughout the country.

October 2–3: Here’s what you can expect

• Trains: Major disruptions across the country’s rail network. This includes high-speed (Frecciarossa), inter-city, and regional trains.
• Public transport: Local transport in Rome, Milan, Florence, and other major cities could be hit hard, especially the metro and buses.
• Schools: Widespread closures expected as teachers and public sector staff join the strike.
• Public services: Government offices and some hospitals will be closed, and non-urgent appointments may be canceled.
• Airports: While it’s not a full aviation strike, disruptions in other public sectors (like air traffic controllers and ground staff) could cause delays or longer lines.

Rolling Strikes: Airport and Local Transport Disruptions

If you thought the chaos would stop after October 3, think again. The rest of the month brings a series of targeted strikes designed to keep up the pressure and cause maximum disruption to travel and transport. Here’s how it looks:

• October 10: A public transport strike in Rome will affect bus and metro services. If you’re relying on city transit, you’re in for delays.
• October 13: Airport workers at Rome Fiumicino, Pisa, and Florence airports will strike, causing significant delays. The Rome strike lasts 4 hours, while the others run for a full 24 hours. Expect disruptions to check-in and boarding.
• October 29: Another blow for travelers: Milan Linate airport will see a 24-hour strike by ground handlers from Swissport, affecting check-in, baggage handling, and boarding processes.

Why this matters for travel

These strikes are nationwide, and the ripple effects will be massive. If you have plans to travel through Italy this month, don’t count on smooth transport. Trains, buses, and even airports will be heavily impacted at multiple points in October. Keep your plans flexible, book travel with options to reschedule, and keep a close eye on the strike dates.

Italy’s Travel Boom in 2025

To make this even more disruptive, Italy is in the midst of a massive surge in air traffic. Italy is currently leading airport passenger traffic growth in Europe, with 5.7% growth in the first half of 2025. Here’s a look at why this strike will be extra painful for travelers:

• In early 2025, Italy experienced 9% growth in international flights — a clear sign that more and more people are flocking to the country.
• Airports have already been packed: Italy’s big airports have seen strong growth in international traffic, with Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa as major hubs for incoming flights.
• With travelers flocking to Italy in record numbers this year, it’s no surprise that these strikes will have a huge impact — we’re talking about thousands of tourists and business travelers caught in the middle of these walkouts.

The Bottom Line

Italy in October is a logistical nightmare for anyone trying to travel through, between cities, or out of the country. Between the rail shutdowns, airport strikes, and public transport disruptions, it’s not going to be easy to get around. So, if you have plans to be in Italy, keep your schedule loose, double-check transport options, and plan for delays — and make sure you stay updated on which strikes will affect your route.

Netherlands: Targeted Disruption at a Key European Hub

The Netherlands may not be facing countrywide strikes like France or Italy, but Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is about to feel the sting of a targeted strike that could send ripples across Europe’s busiest air routes. On October 1, KLM ground staff — including baggage handlers, check-in personnel, and ramp workers — will walk out for eight hours, starting from 06:00 to 14:00 local time.

The big question: What does this mean for travelers? Here’s the lowdown.

Why are they striking?

The issue is simple: pay. The unions, including the FNV (Netherlands Trade Union Confederation) and CNV (Christian National Trade Union Federation), are fighting for better wages and working conditions. Specifically, they’ve rejected KLM’s 2.25% pay increase offer over two years, arguing that it doesn’t even come close to matching the rising cost of living. With inflation still climbing and staff feeling the pinch, the strike is a last resort after talks broke down.

What will be disrupted?

• Flight operations: While KLM isn’t grounding all flights, expect major disruptions. Flights will be delayed, and cancellations are highly probable, especially during peak hours in the morning and early afternoon. If you’re flying on October 1, you’ll want to check your flight status before heading to the airport.
• Baggage handling: Expect longer waits at baggage claim. If you’re traveling with KLM, baggage delays could be an issue, as ground staff are key to getting luggage on and off planes.
• Check-in and boarding: With ground staff out, expect a bottleneck at check-in counters. Lines will be longer, and the process might take longer than usual.
• Other airlines: While this is a KLM-specific strike, other airlines operating out of Schiphol could feel the effects as well. If you’re flying with partner airlines or other carriers using the same terminals, expect some delays, though the disruption will primarily hit KLM flights.

Why does this matter for travel?

Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, handling around 66.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is a major hub for international connections, and any disruption here doesn’t just affect passengers flying into or out of the Netherlands — it causes ripple effects throughout Europe. The morning and early afternoon hours, in particular, will be hit hard, as that’s when the busiest flights land and depart.

This isn’t a one-off disruption either. It’s only 8 hours, but in a hub like Schiphol, that can be enough to create a snowball effect for the entire day. With hundreds of flights relying on smooth ground operations, delays or cancellations at this airport will almost certainly have a knock-on effect across the continent.

The Netherlands’ Busy Travel Landscape in 2025

Although this strike is just a short, 8-hour window, its timing is particularly bad for travelers. Schiphol sees traffic numbers that are steadily growing each year, with 2024 seeing an 8% growth over the previous year, handling 66.8 million passengers. Here’s why the timing of this strike is so disruptive:

• Schiphol Airport has seen solid traffic growth, with millions of passengers coming in and out of the Netherlands every month.
• Given that Schiphol is a primary hub for international flights, delays or cancellations here don’t just hurt KLM passengers. Other European and intercontinental airlines using Schiphol as a stopover or departure point are bound to feel the effects.

What’s more, the Netherlands remains an important travel hub for anyone heading to or from Europe, with its central location and well-connected air routes to major destinations. A strike at Schiphol ripples out far beyond the airport’s immediate vicinity, affecting not just the Dutch domestic market but also international travelers.

How to Handle the Disruption

If your travel plans bring you through Amsterdam on October 1, here’s what you need to do:

• Check your flight status: KLM flights will be the most affected, so make sure to keep an eye on flight delays or cancellations via the KLM website or app.
• Be flexible with your travel time: If possible, try to reschedule your flight to avoid the strike window (06:00–14:00).
• Allow extra time at the airport: With delays in check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, you’ll want to give yourself extra time at Schiphol, especially if you’re connecting to another flight.
• Look for alternate airports: Depending on your destination, consider flying into another nearby airport, like Eindhoven or Rotterdam, if possible. They’re smaller and less likely to be hit by disruptions, though they’ll still see some impact from the broader travel chaos.

The Bottom Line

The October 1 strike in the Netherlands isn’t a countrywide shutdown like in France or Italy, but it will still cause major headaches for anyone traveling through Schiphol Airport. With KLM at the center of the strike, expect flight delays, cancellations, and baggage delays. Schiphol handles millions of travelers every year, and a disruption like this will ripple out across Europe’s air traffic.

If you’ve got flights through Amsterdam that day, check your schedule, stay updated with your airline, and prepare for potential delays. Flexibility is key.

Spain: Sustained Disruption for Travelers in October

If you’re flying in or out of Spain this October, prepare for a month-long saga of partial strikes that are likely to cause ongoing headaches for anyone traveling with Ryanair. Unlike the one-off, large-scale strikes we’ve seen in France and Italy, Spain’s industrial action is more of a sustained campaign, with recurring strikes every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the month. This means a constant stream of disruption, mainly aimed at Ryanair’s ground handling services across 12 major airports.

The Ryanair Baggage Handler Strikes

These strikes are being organized by the FeSMC-UGT union, which represents baggage handlers and ground staff working for Azul Handling, a subsidiary of Ryanair. The key issue here is workers’ grievances over working conditions, including pay, long hours, and poor treatment. In particular, staff are pushing for fairer scheduling, better job security, and better working conditions for part-time employees.

What will be disrupted?

• Airports affected: Major Spanish airports like Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, Malaga, Seville, Tenerife, and Valencia will all experience disruptions. These are not just minor regional airports; these are major hubs for international and domestic travel, and they serve millions of passengers each month.
• Ryanair operations: The primary target of these strikes is Ryanair. Expect significant delays and cancellations, particularly during the peak hours in the morning (from 05:00 to 09:00). This will affect both baggage handling and boarding processes, meaning passengers will likely face long waits at check-in counters, delays in getting luggage, and more time spent navigating crowded terminals.
• Duration of disruption: These partial strikes will happen repeatedly throughout the month, so travelers who are flying on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays can expect these disruptions to continue for the foreseeable future.

Impact for Travelers

• Flights: If you’re traveling with Ryanair, expect delays. Frequent partial strikes, especially during peak travel times, mean that every Wednesday through Sunday will likely bring the risk of cancellations or long delays for Ryanair’s passengers.
• Baggage Handling: The strikes will mainly affect check-in, baggage, and boarding services, which means those who are traveling through Spain could face bottlenecks at check-in counters and wait times to collect luggage. If you’re planning on connecting to another flight, these delays can have a cascading effect, causing tighter layover windows to shrink even further.

This ongoing disruption is likely to frustrate travelers throughout the entire month of October, and with no quick resolution in sight, it’s best to expect the worst when flying with Ryanair in Spain.

Spain’s Growing Passenger Traffic: More Disruption Ahead

What makes this even worse for travelers is the fact that Spain’s airports are bustling more than ever. The latest numbers show that Spain’s airports saw a 4.5% increase in passenger traffic in the first half of 2025, making it one of the top countries in Europe for air travel growth. Here’s why this strike comes at a terrible time for travelers:

• Summer 2025 forecasts: Spain saw an expected 2.7% rise in international tourist arrivals for the summer of 2025 compared to 2024, which means more people are coming through the airports just when these disruptions are hitting.
• By August 2025, Spain’s international arrivals hit 75.4 million passengers — up 5.9% over last year, reflecting Spain’s major role as a tourist hotspot.

These numbers aren’t just statistics. With so many more people traveling to Spain this year, the ongoing strike will hit not just Ryanair passengers, but anyone passing through Spain’s busy airports. Whether it’s long delays or missed connections, travelers in Spain will have a much harder time moving smoothly in and out of the country this month.

What This Means for Your October Travel Plans

For anyone planning to fly through Spain this month, be ready for ongoing disruption. The Ryanair baggage handler strikes will target airports in Spain on a regular basis, meaning you could face delays, longer waits, and the kind of travel stress that makes you wish you could have avoided this month altogether.

• Plan your flight times carefully: If you’re flying out on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you’re running a higher risk of disruptions. Try to pick flights earlier in the day, when you may have a better shot at avoiding the peak of strike-related chaos.
• Check for cancellations: Stay updated with Ryanair’s schedule and be prepared for last-minute changes. Make sure to set up alerts so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.
• Allow extra time: If you’re connecting through a Spanish airport, give yourself plenty of time between flights. The combination of delays and heavy traffic can leave you with little room for error.

In short, October is going to be a tough month for anyone traveling through Spain. With Ryanair at the center of the storm, if you’re flying with them, prepare for an unpredictable and stressful experience.

The Bottom Line

Spain’s travel disruptions in October are predictable, but no less frustrating. With repeated strike days, packed airports, and an already booming tourism market, there’s no doubt that travelers will face significant issues this month. Whether you’re flying into Madrid, Barcelona, or any of the major hubs, there’s a high chance that your experience will be marred by delays or cancellations.

Make sure you’re prepared, keep a flexible schedule, and double-check your flight status regularly. With these strikes continuing throughout the month, Ryanair passengers are the most likely to be affected, but other airlines could see some delays as well due to congestion.

Europe’s New Entry/Exit System (EES): What You Need to Know

Just when you thought the travel chaos from strikes was enough, Europe is about to make a major shift in how they process non-EU travelers. Starting October 12, 2025, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live — and it’s going to change everything about how you enter the Schengen Area.

Now, this system’s all about making borders smoother and safer in the long run, but here’s the thing — it might cause delays at first. You’re gonna want to arrive earlier than usual, especially at the busiest airports or train stations. It’s new, so there’ll be some growing pains, and you might find yourself stuck in longer lines.

Europe’s Tourism Boom in 2025

Now, despite the strikes and all the new systems being rolled out, Europe’s tourism is bouncing back strong in 2025. People are still flocking to Europe, and the numbers are telling the story:

• First half of 2025: 340 million international tourists — that’s a 4% increase from last year and 7% more than in 2019.
• Q1 2025: International arrivals jumped by 4.9%, and people are sticking around a little longer — 2.2% more overnight stays.
• Q2 2025: Tourism slowed down a bit (by 0.7% for nights stayed) due to things like Easter timing, but it still grew by 3.3%.
• Across the whole EU, there were 1.279 billion overnight stays — up 2.3% compared to 2024.

So, yeah, it’s clear people are really traveling to Europe despite everything going on.

Notable Country Highlights

Some countries are shining brighter in the tourism boom, and here’s where things are really popping:

• Malta: It saw a 13% jump in overnight stays.
• Latvia: Had a 12.8% increase.
• Finland: Notched a 12.3% rise in foreign stays.
• Romania: Crushed it with 14 million arrivals in 2024 — up by 4.5%.
• Croatia: It’s set to have a record-breaking tourism year in 2025 after being named Europe’s top travel destination.

Tourism Revenue Projections

On top of all this growth, Europe’s tourism market is about to rake in $305.96 billion in 2025. Package holidays are expected to be the big winner in that, so expect travel companies to keep offering up those sweet deals.

So yeah, despite the travel headaches, Europe is still thriving. The strikes are a pain, but if you’re planning to visit, know that tourism is bouncing back strong, and things are only getting busier. If you’re heading over soon, just be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride at borders and airports, but rest assured, Europe’s still the place to be!

Europe’s travel is set to freeze this October as Greece faces nationwide strikes, including transport and tourism shutdowns, followed by major disruptions in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, all paralyzing travel across the continent during peak season.

As October unfolds, travelers across Europe should brace for a wave of disruptions caused by widespread strikes in Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. With transport systems grinding to a halt, airports struggling with delays, and border controls changing with the new Entry/Exit System, travel during peak season will be more challenging than ever.

While Europe’s tourism industry is experiencing a strong recovery, these strikes highlight the tension between worker demands and the ongoing economic challenges faced by governments. Whether you’re heading to the iconic streets of Paris, the beaches of Spain, or the ancient sites of Greece, it’s essential to stay informed and flexible with your plans.

Keep updated on strike schedules, book flexible tickets, and allow extra time for connections — this October, patience will be key as Europe navigates a historic travel freeze.