European Airport Strikes December 2025: All Planned Disruptions & Dates

Published on December 17, 2025

For most, a flight during the last two weeks of December isn’t just another trip; it’s the journey toward a long-awaited hug from a parent, a child’s first “white Christmas,” or a rare week of respite. However, as labor disputes over pay and working conditions reach a boiling point, the “Grinch” of industrial action is visiting several key European terminals.

The frustration of a 3 a.m. text message announcing a cancellation is immense. Yet, behind these strikes are ground crews and cabin staff who argue that the rising cost of living has made their roles unsustainable. Understanding the why helps, but for the traveler, the when and where are what truly matter.

Italy: Coordinated Afternoon Walkouts

Italy is facing a particularly concentrated burst of disruption mid-month. Aviation authorities have warned that while the strike windows are specific, the ripple effects can last for days.

• Key Date: December 17, 2025
• The Schedule: A coordinated four-hour walkout between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Who is Involved? Air traffic controllers (ENAV), ground handling staff, and personnel from ITA Airways, Vueling, and subsidiaries of Air France-KLM.
• Affected Hubs: Expect significant delays at Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice, Naples, and Catania.

Even though the strike is brief, afternoon flights are the most likely to be canceled or delayed as aircraft are out of position for their evening rotations.

The United Kingdom: Twin Walkouts at Major Terminals

The UK is bracing for its busiest travel days of the year, with nearly half a million people expected to fly on the Friday before Christmas alone. Two major strikes are set to hit London’s infrastructure.

• London Luton (easyJet operations):
  • Ground handlers employed by DHL are striking in two waves: December 19–22 and December 26–29.
  • This targets the peak departure and return periods for easyJet passengers, potentially slowing baggage delivery and check-in to a crawl.
• London Heathrow (SAS operations):
  • Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) cabin crew are scheduled to walk out from December 22–24 and again on Boxing Day (December 26).
  • This will primarily impact routes connecting London to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.

Spain: Rolling Stoppages Through New Year’s Eve

Spain’s labor unrest has been a slow burn since the summer, but it is reaching a crescendo this month. The strikes specifically target the ground operations of the region’s largest budget carrier.

• Dates: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout December.
• The Impact: Workers for Azul Handling (Ryanair’s partner) are holding three daily walkouts:
  • 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • 9:00 PM – Midnight
• Major Hubs at Risk: Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Tenerife South.

Portugal: Post-General Strike Tensions

While the massive nationwide general strike occurred on December 11, the atmosphere at Portuguese airports remains tense. Unions for ground handling staff at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro have not ruled out further “flash” strikes if negotiations regarding labor reform laws continue to stall. If you are flying via TAP Air Portugal, check your status 48 hours in advance.

Proactive Travel: How to Safeguard Your Holiday

You don’t have to be a passive victim of travel chaos. Use these “Human-First” tips to navigate the disruption:

The 48-Hour Rule: Most airlines are required to notify you of cancellations at least a few days in advance. Check your email and the airline’s app religiously starting 48 hours before departure.

Pack Like a Pro: With baggage handlers on strike in Spain and the UK, carry-on is king. If you must check a bag, include an AirTag and pack “survival essentials” (meds, chargers, a change of clothes) in your cabin bag.

The “Early Bird” Advantage: If there is a strike scheduled for the afternoon (like in Italy), try to rebook on the earliest morning flight. These are statistically the least likely to be canceled.

Know Your Rights: Under EU261 (or the UK equivalent), if your flight is canceled due to a strike by the airline’s own staff (like SAS cabin crew), you may be entitled to compensation. However, strikes by airport staff (like air traffic controllers) are often classed as “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning you get a refund or rebooking, but no extra cash.

Final Thoughts: Flexibility as a Gift

The best gift you can give yourself this season is the gift of a “Plan B.” Whether it’s looking into Eurostar alternatives or simply ensuring your travel insurance is up to date, being prepared is the only way to beat the holiday travel blues.