Labour Unrest Threatens European Travel as Strike Actions Proliferate

European travellers face mounting disruption as coordinated strikes across Italy, Portugal and Spain threaten to paralyse transport networks during the peak December holiday period, compounding an already challenging year for the continent's aviation sector.

Portugal braces for its first general strike since 2013 on Wednesday, with approximately half the workforce expected to participate in protests against proposed labour law reforms. National carrier TAP has begun cancelling services, with cabin crew union SNPVAC warning it will be "very difficult to operate flights" as roughly 5,000 members down tools alongside colleagues from Ryanair, easyJet and Azores Airlines.

Italian unions have called a nationwide strike for 12 December affecting all major rail networks and airports across Rome, Milan and other cities, whilst a four-hour walkout on 17 December between 1pm and 5pm will see ground and air crews cease operations. The coordinated action creates cascading effects across European carriers including Lufthansa and Air France.

Spain continues to experience rolling strikes by Azul Handling, Ryanair's baggage handling subsidiary, targeting twelve major airports including Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through year-end.

The strikes reflect deeper tensions over wages and working conditions amid persistent inflation. Transport workers cite stagnant pay against rising living costs, creating what unions characterise as unsustainable employment conditions. Airlines acknowledge the disruptions whilst emphasising operational pressures from pilot shortages and maintenance backlogs.

Recent industry data reveals the impact of labour actions throughout 2025, with over 4,000 flight disruptions recorded. Budget carriers have been particularly affected, with TAP Portugal experiencing delays on 47 per cent of flights, followed by easyJet at 43 per cent and Ryanair at 41 per cent, according to compensation specialist Flightright.

Under EU regulations, passengers may claim compensation up to €600 when airline staff strikes cause significant delays or cancellations.