Strikes at European airports threaten Christmas and New Year flights

Photo: Canarian Weekly

Flight schedules across Europe may change during the Christmas and New Year holiday period due to a series of strikes at airports and among ground handling services, reports Canarian Weekly. The risks of delays and flight cancellations affect Spain, including the Canary Islands, as well as the United Kingdom. In addition, passengers are being warned about possible disruptions to air traffic in Portugal and Italy.

Spain: conflict with baggage handling services

In Spain, disruptions at airports are caused by a strike by baggage handling staff of Azul Handling, a company that is part of the Ryanair Group. The industrial action began on 15 August 2025 and, according to union notices, is set to continue until 31 December, fully covering the Christmas and New Year period. The dispute is linked to unresolved issues over overtime pay, bonus payments and the lack of stable jobs for part-time workers.

Protest actions are taking place four days a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — and fall into three time windows: from 5:00 to 9:00, from 12:00 to 15:00, and from 21:00 to 23:59. These periods coincide with peak airport operating hours, increasing the risk of delays to departures and arrivals, as well as problems with baggage handling and delivery. Previously, the impact of the strike was uneven, but it is expected to intensify during the high season.

In the Canary Islands, airports in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, as well as Tenerife North and Tenerife South, are at risk. On mainland Spain and in the Balearic Islands, possible disruptions affect Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville and Valencia. Ryanair says it intends to operate flights according to the planned schedule, but acknowledges that delays cannot be completely ruled out amid the ongoing labour dispute.

United Kingdom: problems at London Luton Airport

In the United Kingdom, a strike by ground handling staff employed by DHL at London Luton Airport could lead to disruptions to holiday flights. The action is planned in two stages: from 3:00 on 19 December to 3:00 on 22 December, and then during the same time windows from 26 to 29 December. More than 400 flights could be at risk of disruption, affecting thousands of passengers travelling before and after Christmas.

Luton Airport plays an important role in the network of budget air travel, meaning the greatest difficulties are expected for passengers of low-cost airlines and holiday flights during peak festive dates.

Portugal: labour legislation

In Portugal, a nationwide protest took place on 11 December, affecting the country’s transport system, including air traffic, writes The Portugal News. The action led to the cancellation and delay of around 400 flights at airports in Lisbon, Porto and other cities. The protests were triggered by disagreements over changes to labour legislation. Against the backdrop of heavy December passenger traffic, the aviation sector proved to be among the most affected.

Risks of further disruptions remain. The Immolusitania portal notes that ground handling staff have already scheduled strikes in December and early January. With peak holiday travel volumes, the overlap of strike dates with mass travel increases the vulnerability of air traffic and complicates airport and airline operations.

Italian plans

In Italy, a strike by airline staff, ground services and air navigation personnel is scheduled for 17 December from 13:00 to 17:00, reports Aeroporto di Salerno. The action creates risks of disruptions at airports in Rome, Milan, Venice and other major aviation hubs. The participation of several categories of staff increases the likelihood of problems with passenger services and flight operations during the specified time window.

The coincidence of the protest with the pre-Christmas period heightens the system’s sensitivity to disruptions, as even short actions during peak hours can trigger cascading flight delays.

Recommendations for passengers

During the peak Christmas travel season, strikes may place additional pressure on Europe’s aviation system, so passengers are advised to prepare in advance for possible delays and schedule changes, and to:

– regularly check flight status through official sources;

– arrive at the airport with extra time for check-in, security screening and baggage handling;

– travel with hand luggage only where possible.

Analysts at International Investment note that travellers from non-EU countries may face additional difficulties due to the introduction of the new EES entry system. As it is not yet fully operational, this can lead to lengthy delays. In addition, aviation disruptions linked to weather and technical issues continue to be observed across Europe.