Christmas strike action: Strikes to disrupt December travel in UK, Italy, and Spain - everything you need to know
Christmas travel chaos is looming as strike disruption is set to hit the UK and Europe.
Industrial action is currently scheduled to take place across popular destinations including Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK, with delays expected, particularly to flights. Delays are expected - particularly affecting flights.
Travellers should always check operator updates before setting off and pack extra snacks, medication and essentials in the event of prolonged delays. Christmas is always a busy time of year to travel, and strike disruption will add to the madness.
Here is everything you need to know.
Heathrow airport, UK
Over 130 cabin crew working for Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS), based out of Heathrow, are taking strike action over the festive period. Workers are striking over the lack of a decent pay offer as the current proposal is below the rate of inflation.
SAS cabin crew will now walk out on 22, 23, 24 and 26 December, meaning flights to and from Scandinavia could be delayed.
Luton airport, UK
Around 200 easyJet check-in and baggage handing staff at London Luton Airport are set to walk out for six days in a dispute over pay. Industrial action is set to begin at 3am on 19 December until 3am on 22 December, then again between 26 and 29 December.
EasyJet said it would “work closely” with partners to “minimise any disruption”.
Italy
17 December: ITA Airways will hold a four-hour strike between 1pm and 5pm on Wednesday 17 December. Industrial action by staff working for the Italian flag-carrier could result in disruption to flights arriving or departing from airports across the country.
ITA passengers should check the airline’s website and app for regular, real-time updates.
Spain
Airport baggage handlers in Spain are set to take industrial action throughout December, affecting several major aviation hubs throughout the country. Staff will strike between 5am and 9am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 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.