Travelers across Europe should brace for significant disruptions to flights, trains, and buses as strikes ripple through several countries during December and January. Unions are staging walkouts to demand better pay, working conditions, and policy reforms.
Italy: Nationwide transport strikes
- 13 December: A 24-hour general strike by the USB union will disrupt air travel, rail services, and public transport. Ferries to Sicily and Sardinia and motorway toll booth operations may also face delays.
- 15 December: Major airports will experience disruptions from a 24-hour strike by TechnoSky navigation staff, with a shorter air traffic controllers’ strike also planned.
- 10 January: A four-hour national public transport strike will affect buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, ferries, and metro lines.
- 12 January: Florence’s rail network faces delays and cancellations due to Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) staff protests.
- 25 January: Tram services in Florence will likely see disruptions from a 24-hour strike by Gest staff.
Passengers should confirm schedules before traveling.
France: Rail and port strikes
- From 11 December: Ongoing rail strikes by unions protesting the SNCF’s regional rail privatization will affect high-speed TGV, TER regional services, and international routes. Timetables will reflect disruptions 48 hours prior to travel.
- 9–10 December: Dockworkers are striking over pay, retirement plans, and asbestos issues at several ports.
- easyJet Strikes: French staff are protesting the closure of the Toulouse hub, with disruptions possible nationwide through 16 December.
Scotland: Edinburgh airport strike
From 18 December to 6 January, tanker drivers at Edinburgh Airport will strike for 19 days over a pay dispute, potentially grounding domestic and international flights during the festive season.
Finland: Finnair flight cancellations
Finnair has canceled 300 flights on 9 and 13 December due to a pilot strike, impacting 33,000 passengers. Adjacent flights may also face delays or cancellations.
Spain: Ongoing bus strikes
A nationwide bus strike initiated in late November continues in December, particularly affecting regional services in Murcia and Andalusia. The CGT union is demanding improved working conditions and early retirement options for drivers.
