New Zealand Joins Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, And More In Major Airline Strikes This December, Leaving Travelers In Limbo Ahead Of The Holiday Rush: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on November 25, 2025

December 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging month for travelers as New Zealand joins Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the UK in announcing major airline and transport strikes that will leave thousands of passengers in limbo just ahead of the holiday rush. These strikes, driven by labor disputes over pay and working conditions, are expected to severely impact flight schedules, train services, and local transport operations, causing widespread disruptions at some of the world’s busiest airports and travel hubs. Travelers must stay informed about the latest updates to avoid last-minute surprises and delays.

As December 2025 approaches, travelers worldwide are facing a series of disruptions in the airline and transport sectors due to planned strikes across multiple countries. These strikes, involving cabin crew, ground staff, and transport unions, are set to affect major airports, airlines, and train services at some of the world’s busiest hubs. Passengers flying to, from, or within these countries should prepare for potential delays, cancellations, and widespread operational disruptions. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming strikes and their impact on travel plans across different countries, with a focus on the aviation and transport industries.

New Zealand: Cabin Crew Strike on December 8, 2025

In a significant move, Air New Zealand cabin crew, represented by unions E tū and FAANZ, have confirmed a strike action set to take place on December 8, 2025. The strike is the result of failed negotiations over pay and working conditions, as approximately 1,250 members of E tū working for Air New Zealand walk off the job after months of talks failed to produce a fair deal.

The strike is scheduled to affect Air New Zealand’s regional, domestic, and international fleets. The regional flights will be disrupted between 05:00 and 23:00, while the international and domestic services will be affected from 00:01 to 23:59. The airline has assured passengers that at this stage, flights will operate as usual, with their teams working hard to avoid disruption and reach an agreement. However, passengers may face rerouting, changes to their travel itineraries, and possibly accommodation if their flights are canceled.

Air New Zealand has emphasized that it is doing everything possible to minimize the impact on customers and hopes to resolve the industrial action before it goes into effect. However, the situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to monitor the airline’s updates closely.

Italy: Nationwide Transport Strike on December 27-28, 2025

Italy is also preparing for major transport disruptions, with a nationwide transport strike set for December 27-28, 2025. This strike will affect a variety of transport services, including airports, railways, and local public transport. The strike is the result of ongoing disputes over labor conditions, working hours, and pay within the transport sector.

The aviation sector will see significant disruptions at Italy’s busiest airports, including Rome’s Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo. Passengers flying to and from these airports should expect delays, cancellations, and reduced services on both domestic and international flights.

Rail services will also be severely impacted, as Italy’s railway unions have announced that trains across the country will halt during the strike. This will make travel between major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence more difficult, especially for those relying on train travel to catch international flights. Local transport, including buses and trams, will also be suspended, causing additional disruption within cities.

Portugal: General Strike on December 11, 2025

Portugal will face one of its largest labor actions of the year, as a general strike is scheduled for December 11, 2025. The strike, which involves multiple sectors including aviation, public transport, and civil services, is aimed at opposing labor law reforms and demanding better working conditions.

The aviation sector in Portugal will experience severe disruption, particularly affecting Lisbon and Porto airports, which are the country’s two busiest hubs. Portugal’s national carrier, TAP Air Portugal, along with other airlines, will face flight cancellations and delays, which could extend throughout the day. Ground services, including baggage handling and check-in procedures, will be impacted, further compounding delays and frustrations for travelers.

Public transport in Portugal, including metro services in Lisbon and Porto, will also be severely affected, potentially leaving passengers stranded in major cities.

Spain: Azul Handling Strike and Rolling Strikes from September to December 2025

Spain has been experiencing an ongoing series of labor actions since August 2025, with Azul Handling, Ryanair’s handling arm, leading the charge with rolling strikes at major airports. These strikes, which are scheduled to continue through December, primarily target Spanish airports such as Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, and Palma de Mallorca. The strike periods occur on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, affecting specific time blocks: early mornings (05:00–09:00), midday (12:00–15:00), and late evenings (21:00–23:59).

These strikes have been causing delays and operational challenges at major airports in Spain, with long queues and staff shortages affecting the speed of check-ins, security checks, and baggage handling. Although the Spanish government has imposed minimum service requirements to mitigate the impact, travelers should still expect interruptions.

United Kingdom: CrossCountry Train Strikes on December 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2025

In the United Kingdom, December 2025 will see multiple Saturday train strikes, particularly affecting CrossCountry train services. Members of the RMT union, which represents train staff, have announced walkouts on December 6, 13, 20, and 27. These strikes will cause disruptions to train travel across England, Scotland, and Wales.

For travelers heading to airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester, train services will be significantly reduced, and those relying on rail connections to reach their flights may face delays or cancellations. The strikes are expected to cause widespread disruption, especially for travelers attempting to reach airports during the busy holiday period.

India (Punjab): Statewide Strike from December 8-10, 2025

In India, the Punjab region is set to experience a statewide transport strike from December 8-10, 2025. The strike, called by the Punjab Roadways workers, will affect bus services, including intercity routes and local transport within the state. This disruption is particularly significant for travelers planning to reach Amritsar, Chandigarh, and other major cities in the region.

While this strike is localized to Punjab, travelers heading to or from the region should expect delays and a potential lack of transportation options.

Belgium: Rail Strike Affecting December Travel Plans

Belgium’s rail sector is set to experience disruptions in late November and early December, with a strike planned from November 23-26, 2025. This strike could extend into December, causing delays to both domestic and international rail services, including Eurostar connections to the UK.

The strikes will affect major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, and passengers traveling between Belgium and neighboring countries should prepare for significant delays. Travelers heading to or from the airport by train may face challenges due to limited connections.

A Comprehensive Overview of Global Strikes Affecting Airlines and Transport

As December 2025 approaches, travelers are facing an unprecedented series of strikes across multiple countries, affecting a wide range of transport sectors, including aviation, rail, and local transport. These strikes are set to cause widespread disruptions, especially during the busy holiday season, and travelers are advised to plan ahead, stay informed, and prepare for potential delays and cancellations.

As December strikes approach, New Zealand has joined a growing list of countries—Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the UK—with major airline and transport disruptions. These strikes, fueled by unresolved labor disputes, threaten to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the peak holiday season.

Whether traveling to or from New Zealand, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the UK, India, or Belgium, it is essential to stay updated on the latest information from airlines, train operators, and local authorities to minimize the impact of these strikes on your holiday travel plans.