Travel
Strikes across Europe to cause summer travel chaos – find out if you’re affected
NEW strikes have been announced in Europe this summer threatening to cause delays at one of the most popular city break destinations.
Workers at two major airports in Paris have filed a strike motion for July 26, the date of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics.
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The Force Ouvrière (FO) union represents 11.5 per cent of workers at airports operated by the Aéroports de Paris (ADP) group, including Orly and Charles de Gaulle.
The walkouts are set to take place at both airports from 5am on July 26 until 7am on July 27.
The industrial action could cause big problems for anyone hoping to head to the French capital for the start of the Olympics.
The strikes are part of an ongoing dispute over pay for the airport staff members.
There’s some good news for those heading to Paris is that the strikes aren’t expected to have a big impact on travel.
Other unions representing similar airport workers are not backing the strike, meaning it’s only a small number of people participating.
According to Connexion France, the ADP previously said that “even major strike action of airport staff would not disrupt flights entering the city”.
However, they also said that it could result in “increased transit times through the airports”.
The Paris strikes are the latest to be held in Europe this summer, with others already causing problems.
And Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes could bring further delays to passengers at very short notice.
Consumer champions Which? have warned passengers heading to France that some could be called at the last minute.
Holidaymakers due to fly over or through France could also be affected, should ATC staff there decide on taking further action.
They said: “In France, strikes are often announced last minute, so keep your eyes peeled.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
“ATC strikes in France don’t just affect journeys flying into and out of the country, they also affect flights travelling over French airspace. “
Italy
Strikes have taken place in Italy already this year, as recently as last weekend.
Airport staff walked out on July 5 and July 21, but the country’s transport sector is forbidden from striking between July 27 and September 5, meaning no further walkouts are expected.
United Kingdom
Strikes were due to take place at both London Gatwick and two airports in Scotland, including Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Around 300 security and passenger services staff were due to walk out from the London airport, while a similar number also threatened to strike across the Scottish transport hubs.
However, both have since been called off.
Netherlands
A public transport strike is set to take place in the Netherlands’ biggest cities on September 12, while more walkouts are possible.
Services in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam are all due to be impacted.
Meanwhile, this is a list of the times when you won’t be eligible for compensation for a cancelled flight.
Travellers could be owed compensation from BA after a court ruling.
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