UK Joins Spain, Portugal, Italy and France in Facing New Travel Chaos as Strikes Sweep Across Europe Amid Peak Christmas Travel

Published on December 16, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Strikes in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France will cause misery for millions of travelers around Europe this Christmas. Due to low pay and unfavorable working conditions, airport employees and cabin crew in the UK are going on strike from December 19–29, which is set to create delays and cancellations. Travelers looking for winter vacations or families expecting to get together for the holidays are faced with uncertainty as these strikes interrupt major airports and airlines. The holiday season, which is usually a time for relaxation, is suddenly stressful and frustrating for many since millions of flights and trains are expected to be affected. At the height of the busiest travel season of the year, the timing couldn’t be worse.

This widespread strike action is part of a larger wave of labour unrest across Europe, affecting key transport hubs and putting immense pressure on the travel industry. As millions try to get home for Christmas or head off on holiday, airports and train stations are bracing for massive disruptions. With both inbound and outbound flights facing cancellations and delays, travellers are left scrambling for last-minute alternatives. The strikes have already sparked widespread frustration, and the uncertainty is likely to continue, making this festive season one of the most challenging for European travellers in recent memory.

Christmas Travel Chaos in the UK: Strikes Disrupt Peak Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, but it’s not all festive cheer for UK travellers. From 19–29 December, airport staff, cabin crew, and ground workers are walking off the job in protest over poor pay and working conditions. Unfortunately, this couldn’t come at a worse time—just as millions of people are trying to get away for the holidays.

With strikes happening across major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, passengers are in for a bumpy ride. Expect flight delays, cancellations, and longer queues. So, if you’re flying out for Christmas or visiting loved ones, it’s going to be a stressful season, to say the least.

UK Tourism in 2024: A Record-Breaking Year Amid Strike Chaos

Despite all the chaos, 2024 has been a standout year for the UK tourism scene. Inbound tourism saw 42.6 million visitors, and tourists spent a whopping £32.5 billion across the country. But it’s not just visitors coming in—UK residents took off on 94.6 million trips abroad, spending around £78.6 billion while overseas.

These figures show just how much travel means to the UK’s economy. But with the strikes now in play, both inbound and outbound tourism could face major disruptions at the worst possible time. The UK’s tourism success in 2024 may be overshadowed by the ripple effect of these strikes during the Christmas rush.

How the Strikes Will Mess with Your Christmas Travel Plans

As if holiday travel wasn’t stressful enough already, the strikes are making things even worse. Major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, are expected to experience serious delays and cancellations. EasyJet ground staff at Luton will be on strike from 19–22 December and 26–29 December, while SAS cabin crew at Heathrow are walking out from 22–24 December and 26 December.

If you’re flying, be prepared for chaos. Longer queues, missed connections, and even cancelled flights are all on the table. And if your flight does go ahead, it could still be delayed, meaning a lot of time spent stuck at the airport instead of relaxing at your destination.

What UK Travellers Need to Know Before They Travel

If you’re flying out during the holiday period, there are a few things you absolutely need to know to avoid disaster:

• Stay in the Know: Check your flight status often. Strikes often get announced last minute, so keep an eye on your airline’s updates.
• Get to the Airport Early: You should arrive at least three hours before your flight. With strikes causing potential delays, it’s better to be early than sorry.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you might be entitled to compensation or rebooking. Understand what you’re entitled to, so you’re not left stranded.
• Prepare for Plan B: Have a flexible plan. If flights are delayed or cancelled, you may need to book last-minute accommodation or find alternate routes.

Stuck in the Chaos? Here’s How to Get Around the Strikes

If the strikes are stressing you out, don’t panic—there are alternatives to get around the chaos:

• Train Travel: Trains within the UK and to nearby European destinations are a solid alternative. While rail staff strikes could affect some routes, trains generally run smoothly, especially with services like Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, and beyond.
• Bus and Coach Services: If you’re travelling on a budget, long-distance coaches like National Express or Megabus are often a great option. They’re usually less affected by strikes, and while they may take longer, they’re a dependable choice.
• Self-Drive: If you’re staying within the UK, driving could be a stress-free alternative. Avoid the airport altogether, but be mindful of the Christmas traffic surge on the roads.
• Try Smaller Airports: Not all airports are affected equally. Consider flying from regional airports that might not see the same level of disruption. You might even be able to switch your flight to an alternative airport if your original plans fall through.

This Christmas travel season may be filled with unexpected challenges, but with the right preparations, you can still make the most of it. Stay informed, stay flexible, and with a little patience, you’ll get through the strikes and enjoy a memorable holiday season. Safe travels!

Spain Faces Christmas Travel Turmoil as Strikes Disrupt Holiday Travel Plans

Spain, one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, is now facing its own Christmas travel chaos. As the festive season approaches, workers in Spain’s aviation sector are walking off the job, joining the wave of strikes sweeping across Europe. From 19–29 December, ground staff, cabin crew, and baggage handlers at major Spanish airports, including Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid-Barajas, and Palma de Mallorca, will be striking in protest over pay and working conditions. This strike action is set to disrupt hundreds of flights, causing long delays, cancellations, and massive queues across the country.

Spain’s airports, which handle millions of passengers every year, are expected to be especially affected, with Ryanair’s Spanish ground handling partner, Azul Handling, continuing its weekly walkouts. These disruptions could have a ripple effect on holidaymakers travelling from or to Spain for Christmas, leaving many stranded or scrambling to adjust their plans.

Spain’s Record Tourism Year and Its Impact on Christmas Travel

Despite the strike action, 2024 has been a record year for Spanish tourism, with the country welcoming 94 million international visitors. Tourism receipts hit an all-time high, reaching €126 billion. Spain’s warm climate, rich culture, and world-class attractions have long made it a top holiday destination, and it remains one of Europe’s most popular places for Christmas and New Year getaways.

The strong tourism numbers indicate how important the Christmas period is to Spain’s economy, with many travellers flocking to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, or enjoying the sun on the Canary Islands or Costa Brava. But with the strikes set to disrupt flight schedules, many tourists planning to visit Spain during the holidays may face long delays or cancellations. The aviation strike action is sure to affect Spain’s already booming holiday travel.

How Strikes Will Impact Christmas Travel in Spain

As the strikes target some of Spain’s busiest airports, the Christmas travel experience will be anything but smooth. Passengers travelling to or from Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid-Barajas, and Palma de Mallorca can expect major disruptions. Ground handling staff, air traffic controllers, and cabin crew across several major airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, Air Europa, and Iberia, are all involved in the protests.

While it’s not yet clear how long the strikes will last, the festive season is bound to be impacted. Airlines and passengers alike will face the stress of dealing with delayed or cancelled flights, overcrowded terminals, and a higher likelihood of lost baggage. It’s also likely that some flight routes may be redirected or rescheduled at the last minute, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative travel options.

What Travellers Need to Know About Spain’s Christmas Travel Strikes

Travellers heading to Spain over the Christmas period need to stay informed and plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know:

• Stay Updated: Check for flight status updates with your airline and at the airport frequently. With strikes being announced at short notice, it’s essential to stay on top of changes.
• Arrive Early: Arriving at the airport well in advance is key to navigating the extra delays and long queues at check-in, security, and baggage claim.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is cancelled or delayed for several hours, you may be entitled to compensation. Make sure to read up on your EU flight rights so you’re prepared.
• Have a Backup Plan: Be flexible with your travel arrangements. Consider booking a backup flight or even an alternative airport if possible.

Alternatives to Air Travel in Spain Amid Strike Disruptions

If you’re planning to travel within Spain or to nearby European destinations during the strikes, here are some alternatives to flying:

• Trains: Spain’s Renfe high-speed rail network is a reliable option for domestic travel. Trains between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia run frequently and are generally unaffected by the strikes, offering a comfortable and scenic travel experience.
• Buses and Coaches: Coach services are available across Spain and to major European destinations. Companies like ALSA offer affordable and relatively quick routes, though they may take longer than flying.
• Self-Drive: If you’re travelling between nearby cities or regions, driving could be a great alternative. Spain’s highways are well-maintained, and renting a car will give you the freedom to move at your own pace without worrying about flight delays.
• Regional Airports: While strikes may affect major hubs, consider flying to smaller airports if your destination allows. Regional airports in Malaga, Alicante, or Valencia may experience fewer disruptions.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, all eyes will be on Spain to see how it manages this period of uncertainty. Whether the strikes will continue or end soon could make or break the festive travel season for millions of people.

Portugal Faces Christmas Travel Woes as Strikes Disrupt Airport Operations

Portugal is not immune to the wave of strikes sweeping across Europe this Christmas season. With the festive travel period in full swing, workers across Portuguese airports have announced strike action in protest of pay and working conditions. From 19–29 December, ground handling staff, cabin crew, and baggage handlers at major airports like Lisbon and Porto will walk off the job. This disruption is expected to severely affect holiday travel, adding another layer of stress for passengers trying to get to their Christmas destinations.

With Lisbon Airport being one of the busiest hubs in Europe, the strike action couldn’t have come at a worse time. As millions of people plan to visit family or take vacations during the festive season, these strikes threaten to delay or cancel thousands of flights, particularly those from international carriers operating in and out of Portugal.

Portugal’s Strong Tourism Year Faces Setback Amid Strikes

Portugal had a remarkable tourism year in 2024, with an increase in both international and domestic travel. The country welcomed nearly 30 million visitors, and international tourism receipts hit an all-time high. Portugal remains a sought-after destination for its rich culture, stunning coastlines, and iconic cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. As a top European destination, Christmas travel to Portugal has been on the rise, driven by tourists seeking a milder climate or unique holiday experiences.

Despite these positive figures, the airport strikes now pose a significant challenge for the tourism industry. The strikes come during one of the busiest periods of the year, and with many international flights relying on Lisbon and Porto as transit points, delays and cancellations are almost inevitable. This disruption threatens not just passengers but the entire Portuguese hospitality and tourism sector, which depends on Christmas travel to maintain strong year-end revenues.

How the Strikes Will Impact Christmas Travel in Portugal

The strikes at Lisbon and Porto airports will cause widespread disruption. As one of Europe’s top airports, Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport sees millions of passengers during Christmas. With airport ground handling staff walking out, delays in baggage handling, check-in, and even security checks are expected. Flights, especially with major airlines like Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and EasyJet, will be directly impacted.

Passengers may also see longer waiting times for boarding and baggage claims, which could add significant stress during what should be a smooth holiday experience. In addition, travellers flying internationally may face challenges with missed connections, especially at Lisbon’s hub for European and transatlantic flights. For those travelling to other parts of Portugal, connecting flights from Lisbon will likely see delays as well.

What Travellers Need to Know About Portugal’s Christmas Travel Disruptions

Travellers to Portugal need to stay ahead of the game to avoid being caught in the strike disruptions:

• Stay Updated on Flight Status: Constantly check your flight status through the airline’s app or website for updates on delays, cancellations, or possible re-routing options.
• Arrive Early at the Airport: As Portugal’s airports may be busier than usual due to strikes, it’s advisable to arrive at least three hours before your flight to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to the strike, you could be entitled to compensation or rebooking. Understanding your rights under EU regulations will help you navigate this stressful situation.
• Flexible Travel Plans: With the possibility of delays, consider flexible accommodation bookings or alternative travel arrangements in case your flight is impacted.

Alternatives to Air Travel in Portugal Amid Strike Chaos

If you’re worried about the strike disrupting your Christmas plans in Portugal, here are some alternatives to flying:

• Train Services: Portugal’s Comboios de Portugal (CP) network offers extensive rail connections between major cities. The high-speed Alfa Pendular trains are a reliable option for travelling between Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
• Buses and Coaches: For shorter routes or a more budget-friendly option, Rede Expressos provides coach services across Portugal. Coaches are typically less affected by strikes and offer affordable connections to popular destinations.
• Self-Driving: Renting a car and driving around Portugal is another great option, particularly if you’re visiting multiple regions. Portugal’s road network is well-maintained, and driving during the off-peak Christmas period could offer more flexibility.
• Regional Flights: If you’re travelling between cities, regional airports like those in Madeira and Funchal may experience fewer disruptions. Look for flights that don’t transit through Lisbon if possible.

Travellers to Portugal this Christmas should stay flexible, keep an eye on their flight statuses, and be ready to adapt their plans. With proper preparation, a stressful Christmas travel experience can still turn into a memorable one in Portugal.

Italy Faces Christmas Travel Disruptions as Strikes Hit During Peak Holiday Season

Italy, a top European destination for Christmas getaways, is experiencing its own travel disruptions as strikes unfold across major airports and transport hubs. From 17 December, ground handling staff, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers in Italy will join the growing wave of labour actions affecting the travel sector. From 1–5 PM on 17 December, workers at airports in Rome, Milan, Venice, and Catania will stage a coordinated walkout in protest of pay and working conditions. These strikes will directly affect travellers flying in and out of Italy, causing delays, cancellations, and long queues.

With millions of tourists visiting Italy during the festive season to experience its world-class holiday markets, cultural treasures, and scenic beauty, this disruption is bound to have significant consequences for the country’s tourism and transport sectors.

Italy’s Strong Tourism Year Faces Setbacks with Christmas Travel Chaos

2024 has been a banner year for Italy’s tourism industry. The country welcomed over 64 million international visitors, with tourism receipts topping €47 billion. Major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice remain key attractions during the Christmas period, with visitors flocking to the world-famous Christmas markets, historical landmarks, and festive events.

However, the strike action threatens to derail this strong performance during the crucial Christmas travel period. With millions planning to visit Italy for holidays, family visits, and winter vacations, these disruptions could create a significant dent in the expected revenue from the festive tourism season.

How the Strikes Will Affect Christmas Travel in Italy

The strikes in Italy are timed to disrupt travellers during the peak Christmas travel window, a time when airports are crowded, and airlines are at full capacity. Passengers flying into or out of Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and other major airports will face delays at check-in, baggage handling, and security checks.

In addition to affecting flight schedules, air traffic controllers at major Italian airports will also participate in the strikes, leading to possible flight cancellations and delays for both domestic and international flights. Ryanair, EasyJet, Alitalia, and other major carriers are expected to be among the hardest hit, with significant flight disruptions affecting both inbound and outbound passengers.

What Travellers Need to Know About Italy’s Christmas Travel Strikes

If you’re flying to Italy this Christmas, here’s what you need to know:

• Check Your Flight Status: With strike action scheduled at short notice, always check with your airline for flight updates before heading to the airport.
• Arrive Early: To deal with potential delays and longer queues at check-in and security, it’s advisable to arrive at least three hours before your scheduled flight.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to rebooking or compensation. Familiarise yourself with your EU passenger rights to ensure you’re not left in the dark if things go wrong.
• Flexible Travel Plans: Have a backup plan in case of flight delays or cancellations. This could include booking alternative flights or looking into different travel routes.

Alternatives to Air Travel in Italy Amid Strike Disruptions

If the strikes affect your travel plans or you’d like to avoid the chaos at Italy’s airports, consider these alternatives:

• Train Travel: Italy has an excellent train system, with high-speed routes operated by Trenitalia and Italo connecting major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. Trains are usually less affected by strikes and offer a scenic, efficient way to travel across the country.
• Buses and Coaches: For more affordable travel, coach services like FlixBus offer routes between major Italian cities and even international destinations. While slower than flying, they’re a reliable alternative.
• Self-Driving: Renting a car can be a flexible way to navigate Italy, especially if you’re planning to visit smaller towns and regions. Italy’s road network is extensive and well-maintained, offering an alternative to flying.
• Regional Airports: While strikes will impact major hubs, some regional airports like those in Naples, Bologna, or Catania may experience less disruption. You can check for available flights from these airports as an alternative to congested international hubs.

Travellers planning to visit Italy should stay informed, be flexible with their travel plans, and expect some degree of disruption. With the right preparation, you can still enjoy a magical Christmas in Italy despite the strike action.

France Faces Christmas Travel Chaos as Strikes Hit Major Airports

France is not immune to the travel disruptions hitting Europe this Christmas season. From 19–29 December, strikes are set to disrupt air travel at key French airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Nice. Ground handling staff, air traffic controllers, and cabin crew have all joined the wave of industrial action across Europe, protesting over pay, working conditions, and job security. With the holiday travel rush in full swing, these strikes are expected to cause serious delays, cancellations, and longer waiting times for passengers.

Given that France is one of the most popular destinations for Christmas and New Year holidays, this wave of strikes will hit not only those flying in or out of France but also those connecting through its airports. With millions travelling to France for family reunions, skiing holidays, and festive breaks, these disruptions are poised to create major headaches.

France’s Record-Breaking Tourism Year Faces Christmas Setbacks

2024 has been a record year for tourism in France, with over 100 million international visitors flocking to the country. French tourism has bounced back stronger than expected, and the country’s economic dependence on travel is evident, with €71 billion generated in tourism receipts. Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, along with iconic destinations like the French Alps and the Provence region, have all seen an uptick in tourist numbers this year.

The Christmas period is a prime time for France’s hospitality sector, with Christmas markets and winter activities attracting both domestic and international visitors. However, these strikes threaten to derail the holiday travel season, potentially leading to lost revenue and a tarnished reputation for French tourism. The ongoing labour actions could severely affect holidaymakers hoping to experience the festive magic of the French countryside or the glamour of Parisian holidays.

How Strikes Will Impact Christmas Travel in France

The strikes at France’s major airports come at a time when thousands of travellers are looking to take advantage of the holiday season. The strikes will affect check-in services, baggage handling, and security screenings, leading to longer waiting times and potential flight cancellations.

Air France, Ryanair, EasyJet, and other carriers that operate in France will likely be impacted, with flight delays and cancellations becoming a reality. For passengers flying to Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, the effects will be particularly felt, with connections to ski resorts and southern destinations seeing major disruptions. Delays at airports could also affect train connections, particularly for those who are transferring between Charles de Gaulle Airport and the city or planning to continue their journey by TGV to other regions.

What Travellers Need to Know About France’s Christmas Travel Strikes

If you’re heading to France this Christmas, here’s what you need to know:

• Monitor Flight Status Closely: Check for updates directly with your airline. Flight schedules are likely to change last-minute, so staying informed will help you avoid frustration.
• Allow Extra Time at the Airport: With potential delays at check-in, baggage claim, and security, it’s essential to arrive at least three hours before your flight to avoid missing your flight.
• Know Your Rights: In case of flight cancellations or long delays, you may be entitled to compensation. Familiarise yourself with EU passenger rights for strike-related delays, as this could save you time and money.
• Flexible Travel Plans: If your travel plans change last-minute, try to have a backup option ready. Flexible bookings for accommodation or alternate flight routes will help you handle any unexpected disruptions.

Alternatives to Air Travel in France Amid Strikes

If you’re concerned about flight delays and cancellations, consider these alternatives to make your Christmas travel in France more seamless:

• Train Travel: France’s SNCF high-speed trains, such as the TGV, are an excellent option for getting around. Trains run frequently between major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. While some train staff may be on strike, many services will continue operating as normal.
• Buses and Coaches: For more budget-friendly options, FlixBus and Ouibus provide long-distance services across France and to neighbouring European countries. These services are generally unaffected by airline strikes and provide an affordable way to travel.
• Self-Driving: Renting a car in France is a good option, especially if you plan to explore regions outside the main cities. Driving through the French countryside or to winter resorts in the Alps offers flexibility and the chance to bypass airport disruptions.
• Regional Airports: While major airports like Charles de Gaulle and Orly will likely see heavy delays, smaller regional airports like Toulouse, Nantes, and Bordeaux may have fewer disruptions. Look for flights into these airports as an alternative.

For travellers, the key will be staying flexible and prepared for changes. Whether you’re heading to Paris for a Christmas lights tour or skiing in the Alps, you’ll need to remain vigilant about flight statuses and be ready to adjust your plans as needed.

Strikes are disrupting Christmas travel across the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. From 19-29 December, airport staff and cabin crew are striking over low pay and poor working conditions, causing delays and cancellations during the busy holiday season.

As the holiday season continues, the ongoing strikes across Europe are a stark reminder of the challenges the travel industry faces. With millions of travellers affected by delays, cancellations, and disruptions, it’s crucial for passengers to stay informed, flexible, and prepared for changes to their travel plans. While the strikes have added stress to what should be a joyful time of year, travellers can still navigate the chaos with careful planning and patience. Ultimately, the hope is that these disputes are resolved swiftly, allowing the festive spirit to return to Europe’s airports and rail stations in time for the New Year.