Significant Train and Flight Disruptions Expected Across Europe as Travel Strikes Affect Holiday Months

If you have plans to travel to Europe for the holidays, or even just for the winter season, be prepared to encounter significant travel disruptions for air, rail, and public transportation services across several countries.

Widespread travel strikes have been scheduled across Europe during the key holiday travel months of December and January, with France, Italy, Spain, and Finland set to go on strike on varying dates between both months.

Italy: Nationwide Strikes to Impact Air, Rail, and Public Transport

Rome, Italy – January 13, 2024: Ita Airways aircrafts docking at Fiumicino International Airport Leonardo da Vinci

A 24-hour general strike will take place on Friday, December 13th throughout Italy. The nationwide strike will affect air, rail, and public transport, including ferry services to Sicily and Sardegna (Sardinia). The strike is organized by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base).

On Sunday, December 15th, two strikes will occur on the same date. The first, a 24-hour strike will take place affecting major international airports across the country. TechnoSky air navigation service staff is leading this travel strike. In addition, air traffic controllers at major airports will hold a second, shorter strike (typically 8 hours or less), which is expected to lead to widespread flight disruptions ahead of the Christmas holiday.

A four-hour national public transport strike will take place on Friday, January 10th, affecting buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, and ferries, in addition to underground metro lines throughout the country. However, taxi and long-distance rail services will not be affected.

Sunday, January 12th and Saturday, January 25th, travel strikes will affect local tram and rail services in the province of Florence, as a series of staff strikes are set to take place throughout both dates for 24 hours.

France: Rail and Port Strikes Across the Country Could Affect the Christmas Holiday, While easyJet’s Indefinite Strike Notice is Uncertain

Paris, France – May 25 2018: Thousands of commuters and travellers stuck in Gare du Nord waiting for their trains to arrive

Numerous strikes across France will begin as early as next Monday, December 9th. Unlike Italy, where strikes are set for a certain amount of time on specific dates, France’s travel strikes are indefinite and may cause major travel disruptions throughout the country into Christmas and the New Year.

Ports across France will face disruptions on Monday, December 9th, and Tuesday, December 10th as dockworkers strike: both cargo and passenger travel may be affected.

High-speed TGV services, international routes, and regional TER trains will be affected by the nationwide strike beginning on Wednesday, December 11th, in addition to local rail services.

easyJet issued an ‘indefinite strike notice’ back in September. However, additional scheduled strikes are slated up until Monday, December 16th or beyond. Should this happen, air travel throughout France for the budget airline will affect passengers who have booked flights for the winter and holiday season.

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Finland: Finnair Bracing for Significant Air Travel Disruptions During Pilot Strikes

Airport Helsinki-Vantaa, Finland, October 24, 2023: Passengers Waiting Near Finnair Aircraft

Passengers flying with Finnair will experience significant air travel disruptions due to pilots striking on both Monday, December 9th, and Friday, December 13th, with additional flight disruptions expected to commence in the days before and after both dates.

Finnair has confirmed that 300 flights have already been canceled in expectation of next Monday’s first travel strike, with 33,000 passengers affected so far.

Spain: Nationwide Bus Strike That Began in November Has Now Been Extended into December

Barcelona-Spain, November 28, 2024. A public bus with a minimum service sign continues to operate amid a strike, ensuring limited city transport

Both local and long-distance bus services are currently and will continue to feel the effects of the nationwide bus strike as it continues throughout the month of December.

Regional bus service routes for Murcia and Andalusia will feel the worst of the impacts from the travel strikes.

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Europe’s Travel Strikes During Key Holiday Months Expected to Affect the Tourism Industry Globally

The months of December and January are peak travel seasons for Europe. That being said, the scheduled travel strikes during these two key holiday months are expected to have a significant and negative impact on the tourism industry across the globe.

Tourism companies, as well as individual passengers who have booked flights, rail services, and public transport during both months, could face widespread disruptions and cancelations, leaving travelers stranded during the mad, holiday, travel rush.

Travel strikes throughout European countries are not uncommon. Staff and labor unions fighting for better pay and better working conditions mandate change. However, the long-term and far-reaching effects of the continuous and volatile travel strikes throughout Europe are concerning to travelers, particularly international travelers.

The travel industry as a whole will also feel the implications of the ongoing travel strikes. That includes accommodations, historical sites, restaurants, local attractions, and small businesses.

For those traveling to Europe in December and January, contacting your airlines, rail service company or checking on scheduling with public transportation services will assist you in planning ahead, in addition to staying updated with the local and national travel strikes across Europe this holiday season.