Will European Airport Strikes Disrupt Your New Year Travel Plans?

Holiday travel across Europe faces significant risk. European airport strikes are planned for late December and January. Workers are targeting the busy holiday season. They seek better pay and improved working conditions. This industrial action threatens New Year travel chaos for thousands of passengers. Travelers must check flight status before heading to the airport. This is vital to avoid last-minute disruption. For the latest commercial aviation news, travelers should consult reliable sources like aviation news.

Ground Handling Walkouts Impact Southern Europe

Spain: Ongoing Baggage Handling Disruption

Ground handling walkouts continue to affect Spanish airports. Staff for Azul Handling, a Ryanair partner, are striking. The action is over working conditions and job stability. Walkouts are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This pattern continues through 31 December 2025. Stoppages occur during three daily peak windows. These are 5-9 am, 12-3 pm, and 9 pm to midnight.

Ryanair passengers may see long queues and delays. This affects check-in and baggage collection. Twelve major airports are impacted. These include Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, and Malaga.

Additional ground handling walkouts are planned at Madrid-Barajas. These affect services for the IAG group. Strikes are set for 30 December, 2 January, and 7 January. This action is expected to impact Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. Affected passengers are being contacted by their airlines. They are offered options for rebooking or refunds.

Portugal and France: Key New Year Strikes

New Year travel chaos is also expected in Portugal. Ground handlers for SPdH/Menzies plan to strike. The walkouts are set for 31 December and 1 January. This action is over job security concerns. A court ruling mandates minimum services. This includes emergency flights and connections to autonomous regions.

In France, easyJet cabin crew plan a walkout. This is scheduled for 1 January over working conditions. Flights from Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nantes face disruption.

Italian Airports Face January Stoppages

Italy is set for multiple December January strikes. Ground staff represented by CUB Transporti plan a four-hour strike. This national action is set for 9 January from 1-5 pm. Flight delays and cancellations are possible across the country.

On the same day, Swissport Italia staff will strike. This is a full 24-hour walkout at Milan Linate airport. Furthermore, air traffic control staff at Verona airport will strike. This action by ENAV staff is planned for 31 January. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, publishes a list of guaranteed flights.

Non-Strike Travel Risk: EU Entry/Exit System Delays

Beyond European airport strikes, a new system adds risk. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing delays. This system registers biometric data for non-EU nationals. It is being implemented across the Schengen Zone. The process is already causing significant bottlenecks.

ACI Europe warns of severe congestion. Border processing times have increased by up to 70%. Waiting times can reach three hours at peak periods.

Airports in Spain, France, and Italy are highly affected. The registration threshold is set to increase sharply. It will rise from 10% to 35% on January 9, 2026. This is the same day as major Italian strikes.

ACI Europe warns this increase could cause systemic disruption. Travelers should allow extra time for border checks. This is especially true at major European hubs. Aviation safety oversight is provided by the EASA.

Passengers must monitor their flight status closely. Airlines are required to offer refunds or rebooking. This applies if a flight is cancelled or delayed significantly. Passengers should know their passenger compensation rights under EU rules.