Travelers across Europe should brace for disruptions as multiple countries face planned strikes in the coming weeks, impacting trains, buses, flights, and ferries. The walkouts are part of ongoing protests by workers demanding better pay and conditions.
Italy: Nationwide Transport Strikes
In Italy, a 24-hour general strike is set to take place on December 13, with airline, rail, and public transport services expected to be disrupted. The strike, organized by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base), is in protest against the government’s economic policies. The union claims these policies increase social inequalities and promote deindustrialization.
Ferry services to Sicily and Sardinia, along with motorway toll booths, may also experience delays and cancellations. Additionally, a 24-hour strike by TechnoSky air navigation service staff and a shorter walkout by air traffic controllers will affect major airports on December 15.
Commuters in Italy’s cities will also face delays on January 10, with a four-hour national public transport strike called by the FAISA-CONFAIL union. Further strikes affecting public transport are expected on January 12 in Florence, where delays and cancellations to train and tram services are anticipated due to staff protests.
Scotland: Edinburgh Airport Grounded Flights
Travelers heading to or from Edinburgh Airport during the festive season should expect significant disruptions. Tanker drivers at the airport have announced a 19-day strike, starting December 18 and lasting until January 6. The strike, led by a major union, is over a pay dispute and could ground both international and domestic flights during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
Finland: Flight Cancellations with Finnair
Finnair has already canceled 300 flights on December 9 and 13, affecting around 33,000 passengers. The strike, organized by the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association, may also cause further cancellations on surrounding dates. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before traveling.
France: Train and Port Disruptions
France is also facing multiple strike actions. Railway workers from four major unions have been protesting against the increasing privatization of regional routes by the state-run SNCF. The strikes, which began on December 11, are expected to continue through Christmas, affecting high-speed TGV, international, and regional TER services. Affected travelers should check train schedules 48 hours in advance.
Additionally, dockworkers at French ports will strike on December 9 and 10, demanding better pay and improvements to retirement benefits. The strike could disrupt port operations, but passenger services are expected to face minimal disruption.
Spain: Nationwide Bus Strikes
A nationwide bus strike in Spain, which began in late November, will continue into December, significantly affecting regional services in Murcia and Andalusia. The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) union is leading the strike to demand better working conditions and the option for bus drivers to retire early without financial penalties.
Travelers across Europe are advised to stay updated on the latest strike developments, as walkouts can cause sudden disruptions to travel plans.
