The past few years haven’t been the travel industry’s best. Demand for travel boomed, but capacity struggled to keep up, which, among other factors, caused a summer of travel chaos for many.
As with previous years, industrial action impacted many travellers’ plans during 2025’s peak summer season, as families headed to the airport with trepidation ahead of their flights. If you’re planning a trip, this is everything we know at the time of writing (Wednesday 17 September) about expected European travel strikes in the coming weeks.
Which airports in Europe have strikes?
At the time of writing, Spanish, French and Italian workers are planning to strike in September 2025, causing disruption to travellers seeking shoulder season sun.
Nice city airport, French RivieraGetty Images
Spain airport strikes
The school holidays may be over for another year, but travellers still have some airport issues to contend with this September if headed to Spain.
At the time of writing, strike action is affecting Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, where passenger control staff have walked out over pay rises and compensation.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, AENA Union posted, “Due to the staff strike call by the security personnel of the company Trablisa at AS Madrid-Barajas Airport, the times for passing through security control may be increased. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
The UK airport strikes have the power to disrupt several holidays this year – here’s the latest on the walkouts
France travel strikes
Around 400,000 French workers are expected to demonstrate across the country. Public transport operator RATP has warned of major disruption to metro lines, commuter trains, trams and buses between Wednesday 17 September and Friday 19 September.
In a post on X, trade union CFE-CGC said, “Representative trade union organisations @RATPgroup are filing a strike notice covering all #RATOP staff, of every category and every service from Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM to Friday, September 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM.”
Strikes involve all major transport unions and are set to cause disruption across the country.
Italy airport strikes
Transport strikes aren’t permitted during the peak summer season to protect summer travel. However, with schools back in action, baggage handling staff and Volotea airline crew are set to stop working for 24 hours on Friday 26 September.
What should I do if there are airport strikes while I’m on holiday?
Airlines and operators are obliged to share the latest information if it affects your travels. When using an impacted airport or airline, check the latest flight information on the departure airport’s website and opt-in for email and text notifications to stay updated with all the latest news.
