Spain Joins France, UK, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and Others in Facing Year-End Holiday Travel Disruptions Due to Strikes Across Major Airports, Including Madrid, Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, and More

Published on December 19, 2025

Spain joins France, UK, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and other countries in facing year-end holiday travel disruptions due to strikes across major airports, including London, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Paris. As the holiday season approaches, these widespread industrial actions are causing significant delays and cancellations, particularly in some of Europe’s busiest travel hubs. Strikes by airline staff, ground handlers, and air traffic controllers are affecting airports and transport systems, leading to disruptions in flight schedules, baggage handling, and ground services. With travelers looking to reach family gatherings and holiday destinations, these strikes add another layer of uncertainty, making it crucial for passengers to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

France: Strikes Looming Across Multiple Sectors

France continues to face ongoing industrial actions, and while the article highlights cabin crew strikes, there is a broader risk of disruptions across other sectors. Public transport and railway services in France could see additional walkouts, impacting tourists trying to reach airports or other destinations across the country. Strikes by air traffic controllers, particularly at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Nice airports, are common during holiday seasons. These strikes often lead to delays in flight departures and arrivals, especially for flights traveling over French airspace. As travelers head to France for the holidays, they may experience delays or flight cancellations. It’s advisable for travelers to monitor air traffic and local transport updates frequently to stay ahead of potential disruptions.

United Kingdom: Double Airport Walkouts Disrupt Holiday Travel

The United Kingdom is facing significant travel disruptions as two major airport strikes target key transport hubs. At London Luton Airport, outsourced ground-handling staff from DHL are on strike, specifically affecting easyJet’s operations. The strike will take place in two phases: Phase 1 from Dec 19 (3 am) to Dec 22 (3 am), and Phase 2 from Dec 26 (3 am) to Dec 29 (3 am). This disruption could impact around 410 flights, creating major delays in check-in and baggage handling. easyJet is attempting to run a full schedule but advises passengers to travel with hand luggage only to avoid the ground-handling bottleneck.

Meanwhile, London Heathrow Airport is also facing a strike, this time by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) cabin crew. The industrial action is set to occur on Dec 22, 23, 24, and 26, affecting flights between London and Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. The union, Unite, claims the SAS crew are underpaid to the point that they rely on food banks in Scandinavia. Expect last-minute cancellations and check flight status every 4 hours, especially on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, as disruptions are likely to peak during these times.

Spain: Rolling Baggage Chaos Across Major Airports

Spain is experiencing rolling disruptions due to a heated dispute between Azul Handling (Ryanair’s ground partner) and the UGT union. This ongoing strike is set to cause delays at several key Spanish airports. The walkouts will take place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Dec 31, and will occur during key times: 05:00 – 09:00, 12:00 – 15:00, and 21:00 – 23:59. Major airports affected include Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona El-Prat, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Tenerife South.

Expect delays of up to 45 minutes during check-in, as Ryanair warns that while flights will depart as scheduled, luggage may not make it onto the same plane or face significant delays at the baggage carousel. With holiday travel at its peak, this is a frustrating situation for many tourists hoping to enjoy Spain’s beaches, historic sites, and festive celebrations.

Italy: Residual & Recurring Delays Disrupt Holiday Plans

Italy’s transport sector remains in turmoil following a series of strikes, with residual disruptions continuing into the holiday season. After a national air transport strike on Dec 17, which grounded hundreds of flights, airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice are still grappling with aircraft repositioning and baggage backlogs. Planes are still out of position, and baggage handling is taking longer than usual, leaving travelers frustrated as they face delays that could affect their plans.

In addition, local transport strikes (affecting buses and trains) are scheduled intermittently through Dec 24, making travel to and from the airports even more difficult. If you’re traveling through Fiumicino, Malpensa, or Linate, be prepared for disruptions. These ongoing issues will affect travelers hoping to enjoy Italy’s winter festivities, from Christmas markets in Rome to skiing in the Dolomites.

Portugal: Nationwide Disruptions Affecting TAP Air Portugal

Portugal is facing ongoing challenges in its transport sector, following a general strike on Dec 12. While the immediate effects of that strike have subsided, Lisbon and Porto airports continue to see higher-than-usual congestion as they deal with the backlog. The disruptions are expected to continue, especially with TAP Air Portugal ground staff rumored to launch a second wave of strikes between Dec 27–31.

With limited resources available to manage the flow of passengers and flights, travelers should expect longer wait times and potential delays as airports attempt to clear the backlog. As Portugal prepares for a busy holiday season, these disruptions may affect travelers planning to explore Lisbon’s festive lights or the beaches of the Algarve.

Germany: Potential Airport Strikes Disrupting Major Hubs

Germany, one of Europe’s most critical air travel hubs, could face disruptions if labor disputes among airport staff escalate. While the article does not specifically mention current strikes in Germany, the potential for walkouts affecting major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Brandenburg is real. These airports are some of the busiest in Europe, handling millions of passengers every year, and any strikes involving baggage handlers or security personnel could lead to significant delays, longer wait times at security checks, and issues with luggage handling. Historically, Germany has seen air traffic disruptions around busy travel periods like the holidays, and if union disputes continue, passengers may face frustration during key travel windows. As travelers prepare for flights to or from Germany, staying updated on potential industrial actions will be essential.

Spain joins France, UK, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and other countries in facing year-end holiday travel disruptions due to strikes across major airports, including London, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Paris.

Conclusion

Spain, alongside France, UK, Italy, Portugal, Germany,, and other countries, is facing significant year-end holiday travel disruptions due to widespread strikes. These actions are impacting major airports such as London, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Paris, causing delays, cancellations, and added stress for travelers. With strikes affecting key services like baggage handling and air traffic control, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and flexible during this challenging period. As holiday travel reaches its peak, the disruption caused by these strikes underscores the need for preparedness and vigilance to navigate potential setbacks.