We always hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are several strikes and other disruptions to look out for across Europe in the coming weeks.
If you plan to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage. Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to in terms of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.
Here are the strikes to be aware of in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Related: The best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers
Easter Border Force strikes in the UK
When: From April 5
Border Force workers in the U.K. are currently being balloted on whether or not to strike in a dispute over working hours and conditions.
While the strike could be averted, we won’t know for sure until the outcome of the ballot is announced March 22. The Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents the workers, has said that the strike will not take place earlier than April 5, though it could still impact travel around the Easter holidays.
Airport and public transport strike in Italy
When: March 22
Italy is bracing itself for a double whammy of strikes later this month. First, Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) will face disruptions when its air traffic controllers go on strike March 22 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The strike for air traffic controllers will occur at the same time as a planned walkout by cabin staff working for Air Dolomiti. Public transport workers in the Italian city of Milan are also due to stage a 24-hour walkout on the same day. It’s believed that the strike will cause significant disruptions to metro, bus and tram operations.
Lufthansa cabin crew strikes
When: March 13
This is the Lufthansa staff’s second day of strikes at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC) following the carrier’s announcement that its profits had doubled since 2023.
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The strike began at 4 a.m. local time and will continue until 11 p.m. A Lufthansa update released on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that the walkout would cause “significant impacts on the flight schedule.”
Employees represented by The Independent Flight Attendants Organisation are calling for a 15% pay increase, along with a 3,000 euro (around $3,287) inflation compensation bonus.
Adding further woes, ground staff represented by the Vereinigte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft union also staged their own walkout.
Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren’t
French transport strike notice
When: Feb. 5 to Sept. 9
Staff members employed by the state-owned Ile-de-France bus and metro network commenced a seven-month strike notice period in early February over pay. If they don’t meet an agreement during this period, the strikes could likely take place during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bottom line
One thing worth remembering about strikes is that nothing is certain, and it’s always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal.
However, the current economic crisis is making things difficult for everyone. Workers are struggling through the deepening cost-of-living crisis, and travel companies are desperate to appease shareholders during the coronavirus pandemic. The pressures on both sides of the fence seem unlikely to evaporate anytime soon.
The chances of more strikes are high across the travel sector. Keep an eye on these dates and plan accordingly.
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