It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis and pandemic pay cuts, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too.
Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have been going on strike. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France, airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action.
Strikes can, obvs, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them.
Airport strikes in Spain
Valencia airport will be impacted by industrial action over Easter weekend, as airport staff unions will stage two-hour walkouts from March 28 to April 1, between 11am and 1pm each day.
Staff employed by airport operator Aena will be affected. Unions have said they feel frustrated after months of talks with airport management.
UK Border Force strikes
It’s been announced that PCS union members could stage a walkout sometime over the Easter holiday, which will likely mean long queues and delays at London Heathrow. The outcome of the ballot is expected on March 22, so we should know more details then.
Airport strikes in Italy
Travellers headed to Verona’s Villafranca airport will likely face delays on March 22, as air traffic controllers are scheduled to go on strike from 10am until 6pm. Air Dolomiti cabin staff are also striking on this day, and flights between Italy and Germany will likely be affected.
What happens if your airline goes on strike?
If the staff on strike cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled, the airline is usually obliged to help you and/or provide compensation. However, this often depends on the conditions of carriage of your airline, as well as the extent of your travel insurance. These should both be easily accessed on either your airline or insurer’s website.
However, if you book your flight already knowing that a strike is set to take place (ie. it’s already been announced by the union), you are exceptionally unlikely to receive compensation. Before you book, be sure to check for any strike dates not just at your intended airline but also at departure and arrival airports.
Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that the threat of a strike is exactly that: a threat. Strikes are primarily used as bargaining chips in negotiations between unions and employers, so there’s always the chance that both sides will come to an agreement before one actually takes place.
In any case, if your journey involves any of the above airlines, destinations and dates, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status and prepare for a more disrupted journey than expected.
ICYMI: A brand-new sleeper train linking several European cities is launching soon.