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As the holiday season approaches, travelers across Europe and the UK are bracing for significant disruptions due to industrial action that will impact popular destinations including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the UK. With Christmasbeing one of the busiest travel times of the year, the added chaos of strikes is set to cause extensive delays, particularly affecting flights. Travelers are advised to stay informed about updates from airlines and ground operators and prepare for the possibility of prolonged delays.
As industrial action unfolds across major airports and airlines, travelers planning to fly during the Christmas period must anticipate delays and cancellations. The strikes, involving workers in critical roles such as cabin crew and baggage handlers, will likely affect airport operations, causing widespread flight disruptions. Passengers should regularly check for updates from operators and consider packing essential items like snacks, medications, and other necessities to stay comfortable during any extended wait times.
Christmas travel is notoriously hectic, and with strikes adding another layer of uncertainty, this year’s holiday season promises to be a challenging one for those traveling by air. Here’s a breakdown of what travelers can expect across the affected countries.
In the UK, Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs, is already preparing for disruptions due to Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew walking out. More than 130 cabin crew members working out of Heathrow will strike over a dispute regarding pay, as the current pay offer is below the rate of inflation. The strike is set to take place on 22, 23, 24, and 26 December, which will likely lead to delays for flights to and from Scandinavia. With Heathrowbeing a major international transit point, this action is expected to cause substantial disruption for travelers heading to or from the region during the festive period.
At Luton Airport, approximately 200 easyJet check-in and baggage handling staff are set to take strike action in a pay dispute. This action will take place in two phases: 19–22 December and again from 26–29 December. EasyJet has stated that it will work closely with its partners to minimize disruption, but travelers should expect delays and potential cancellations, particularly for those flying during peak travel days.
In Spain, several airport baggage handlers are set to strike throughout December, affecting major airports across the country. The industrial action will take place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5am to 9am, and will continue for the remainder of 2025. Affected airports include Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South, and Valencia. The strikes are expected to cause delays in baggage handling and could affect flight departures and arrivals at these busy travel hubs.
Travelers flying to or from these airports are advised to prepare for potential delays in baggage claim and boarding processes. Given the frequency and timing of the strikes, passengers should allow extra time at the airport to account for possible disruptions.
Portugal is also facing significant flight disruptions due to a national walkout affecting Lisbon and Porto airports. The strike involves workers from several major airlines, including TAP Air, Etihad Airways, easyJet, and Emirates, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights. As the national walkout continues, travelers may experience delays or the complete cancellation of their flights, particularly those flying to and from Portugal’s main airports. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and consider alternative routes if their original flights are canceled.
In Italy, ITA Airways, the country’s flagship carrier, has announced a four-hour strike scheduled for 17 December from 1pm to 5pm. This strike by staff could lead to disruptions for flights arriving or departing from Italian airports. Travelers flying on ITA Airways during this time are encouraged to check the airline’s website or app for real-time updates on any potential cancellations or delays. Given the short duration of the strike, disruptions may be temporary but still significant, especially for passengers with tight connections.
In addition to the scheduled strike by ITA Airways, travelers to Italy may face ongoing challenges as the nation grapples with various labor disputes. While not all of these disruptions are as widespread, travelers should expect some level of inconvenience at major airports and remain vigilant for any additional strike announcements leading up to the holiday season.
Traveling during the holiday season is already stressful, and with industrial action affecting multiple major airports across Europe, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead. Here are some tips to ensure a smoother experience despite the disruptions:
With industrial action set to affect major airports and airlines in the UK, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, travelers should brace for potential disruptions during the busy Christmas travel period. While the strikes may cause delays and cancellations, taking the time to check updates, pack essentials, and remain flexible can help ensure that your travel plans remain as smooth as possible. As always, keeping an eye on operator notifications and being prepared for the unexpected will be key to navigating this period of holiday travel chaos.
The post UK Joins Spain, Portugal and Italy for Travel Chaos Set to Unleash This Christmas: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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