Spain, Portugal, Italy, and United Kingdom Brace for Major Travel Disruptions as Holiday Strikes Threaten Christmas and New Year Plans

Published on December 17, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, travelers planning to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom are being warned about potential disruptions caused by a series of strikes within the aviation industry. From baggage handling issues to operational delays at major airports, these strikes are expected to significantly impact both domestic and international travel, especially during the busiest period of the year: Christmas and New Year.

This situation has sparked concerns among tourists, particularly those heading to Spain’s Canary Islands, London, Lisbon, and Rome, as airport workers and airline staff unite in their efforts to negotiate better conditions. Although airlines, such as Ryanair and DHL, are attempting to maintain flight schedules, the ongoing industrial actions are expected to cause widespread delays and cancellations, with many travelers bracing for long waiting times, lost luggage, and last-minute changes to flight plans.

In this article, we’ll explore the strike-related disruptions in each affected destination, provide travelers with important details on potential delays, and offer advice on how to minimize the impact of these industrial actions on their holiday travel plans.

Spain: Prolonged Ryanair-Related Strike Causes Major Disruption at Airports

Spain, a top holiday destination during the winter months, is grappling with a long-running strike by employees of Azul Handling, a ground-handling company supporting the Ryanair Group. This industrial action, which began in August 2025, is expected to continue through the end of December, creating major disruptions for passengers traveling through Spanish airports.

Key impacted airports include:

• Canary Islands airports
• Balearic Islands airports
• Several mainland Spain airports

Impact of the Strike:

• Flight delays due to baggage handling and aircraft turnaround issues
• Possible cancellations of Ryanair flights, although no formal cancellations have been confirmed
• Increased waiting times at security checks and check-in counters

While Ryanair has announced that it will attempt to operate as many flights as possible, passengers are strongly encouraged to prepare for delays. Many holidaymakers traveling to Spain’s Canary Islands for the festive season may be affected by long queues, especially in popular destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. If you’re flying to Spain, it’s advisable to stay updated on any last-minute announcements or cancellations from Ryanair.

United Kingdom: London Luton Airport Faces Strikes Over Ground Handling Services

London Luton Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, is also bracing for disruptions due to a strike by DHL ground handling staff. This multi-day strike is scheduled to affect operations during some of the busiest travel days of the year, including December 19–22 and December 26–29.

Disruption Details:

• 400+ flights affected (both arrivals and departures)
• Possible delays during peak travel times, including delays in baggage handling and aircraft preparation
• Longer check-in and security wait times for passengers flying through Luton

Passengers flying with airlines operating through Luton, including EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair, should anticipate longer wait times at check-in counters and potentially face delays. It’s crucial to arrive at the airport early to navigate the increased volume of passengers and any delayed flights. Travelers should also check flight statuses regularly before heading to the airport.

Portugal and Italy: Uncertainty Around Strike Dates Creates Confusion for Travelers

Both Portugal and Italy have seen ongoing industrial action in the aviation sector, which could cause significant disruptions for those traveling during the holiday season. Although the exact dates for the strikes are still uncertain, these actions are likely to be concentrated in key airports such as Lisbon (Portugal), Porto (Portugal), Rome Fiumicino, and Milan Malpensa (Italy).

Key Points for Travelers:

• Strikes are expected to affect baggage handling and check-in services
• Limited flight capacity on specific routes
• Travelers should be prepared for last-minute updates on cancellations

If you plan to fly into Lisbon, Rome, or Milan during the Christmas holidays, keep an eye on any developments from local authorities and airlines. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal and Alitalia have advised passengers to expect potential delays or even last-minute cancellations. Travelers should plan accordingly and ensure they are aware of their rights should their flight be delayed or cancelled.

Impact on Christmas and New Year Travel

As the holiday season approaches, the cumulative effect of these strikes in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom is expected to cause major disruptions for travelers. For those planning to visit Europe’s top holiday destinations, such as Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, and London, it’s important to take steps to mitigate the impact of these strikes.

Here are some practical tips for travelers:

• Monitor flight statuses frequently for real-time updates on any potential delays or cancellations
• Arrive early at airports, as check-in and security lines may be longer than usual
• Check baggage claims regularly to ensure luggage doesn’t get delayed
• Consider alternative airports if possible, especially in major cities like London or Madrid
• Stay connected with airlines through their apps or social media channels for any urgent updates

Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared and Stay Informed

The strikes in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom represent a growing concern for travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. While airlines are working to minimize disruptions, passengers should remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of delays, cancellations, and longer wait times at airports.

Travelers can minimize the impact of these strikes by:

• Staying informed about the status of their flights
• Preparing for longer than usual travel times at airports
• Making contingency plans in case of a significant delay or cancellation

By keeping these factors in mind and adjusting plans accordingly, travelers can still make the most of their holiday trips to Europe, despite the ongoing disruptions. Be sure to check official airline and airport websites for the latest updates and guidance on managing strike-related impacts.

Conclusion: Affected Destinations and Airports

The Christmas and New Year holidays are shaping up to be more challenging than usual for travelers planning to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom. With strikes affecting major airports and airlines, passengers must take extra precautions and stay informed about the status of their flights.

• Spain (Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, mainland Spain)
• United Kingdom (London Luton Airport)
• Portugal (Lisbon, Porto)
• Italy (Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa)

With proper planning and preparation, travelers can still enjoy their holidays despite the disruption. Always remember to check the latest flight information and remain flexible with travel plans to ensure a smoother journey this festive season.