Everything you need to know about European flight and train strikes in April

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Employees across Europe are currently withholding their labour, which is causing significant disruptions due to their fight for improved pay and working conditions. This has dawned as a dire situational discomfort for global travellers. It has been noted that some walkouts are organized well in advance, while others are announced with little warning, underscoring the importance for travelers to verify their plans before departing.

UK: Train strikes in April

Although no nationwide train strikes are scheduled in the UK for April, there are several localized strikes planned. The ASLEF union’s strikes, from April 15 to April 20, will disrupt services on Northern rail. Additionally, a walkout on April 20 will specifically affect LNER train services. These disruptions highlight the need for travelers to stay informed about potential changes in their travel arrangements.

Gatwick Airport: Catering workers to strike on easyJet and TUI flights

Travelers flying with easyJet and TUI from London’s Gatwick Airport will experience a lack of catering services due to strikes by Dnata catering workers. These strikes, involving about 100 workers including HGV drivers and warehouse staff, are scheduled from April 26 to April 29, May 3 to May 6, and May 10 to May 13. The Unite union has indicated that the strikes could intensify if the ongoing disputes over pay are not resolved.

Greece: Transport strike in Athens

In Athens, metro and trolleybus services will be disrupted due to a strike planned for April 17. This 24-hour walkout, however, is not anticipated to affect public bus services, offering some relief to travelers who might need alternative transportation options within the city.

Belgium: Strikes threatened at Charleroi Airport

A strike warning has been issued at Brussels’ Charleroi Airport, set to last until the end of April. If their concerns over working conditions are not addressed, catering staff and baggage handlers are expected to commence walkouts at the beginning of May, potentially affecting many travelers’ plans.

France: Could strikes hit Paris Olympics?

Members of the CGT-RATP union have put forth a strike notice that spans seven months from February 5 to September 9, which could disrupt bus and metro services in the Ile-de-France region, including during the Paris Olympics. To mitigate potential disruptions during significant events such as Paris 2024, the French Senate has passed a bill that would allow the state to prohibit transport strikes for specific periods each year and requires unions to provide more advanced notice of strikes along with fulfilling increased minimum service obligations. This bill, however, still faces hurdles as it must be approved by the French National Assembly.

Germany: Threat of various strikes ends

In Germany, Deutsche Bahn and the GDL train drivers’ union have concluded their five months of negotiations and strikes with an agreement reached on March 25. This agreement will prevent further strikes until at least February 2026. Additionally, the Verdi union has called off strikes at various German airports following a successful negotiation for better pay, thus bringing stability back to travel in Germany.

« Back to Page

• Mexico’s Las Cruces train and car collision affects local travel

• Want to know about all of London’s May train strikes? Check this list

• What you need to know: Due to the May Bank Holiday week, there will be new train strikes in London

• Emirates Airlines suspends transit flyer check-in today

• Major train disruptions affect southern routes in England