Europe Hit by Widespread Travel Strikes in September
A wave of strikes is affecting airports and travel services across Europe in September 2025, with France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and other countries experiencing shutdowns and cancellations. The disruptions stem from labor disputes over pay, working conditions, and staffing shortages in the aviation sector. Travelers are advised to check updates as the situation impacts tourism and business travel.
Brussels, Belgium – Europe is grappling with a series of travel-related strikes throughout September 2025, causing widespread disruptions to air travel and airport operations in multiple countries. The strikes involve airport ground staff, air traffic controllers, and airline employees demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and resolutions to post-pandemic staffing issues. Countries affected include France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and others, with varying degrees of impact on international and domestic flights.
In France, the strikes align with broader national protests, leading to cancellations at major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Reports indicate that up to 30% of flights were affected on peak days, with unions citing inadequate pay amid rising inflation. Spanish airports, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid, faced similar actions by ground handlers, resulting in long queues and delayed baggage handling.
Portugal's Lisbon and Porto airports saw strikes by security personnel, causing security line backups and flight delays. In Italy, Milan and Rome experienced intermittent shutdowns due to air traffic controller walkouts, protesting overtime policies. The Netherlands' Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, one of Europe's busiest, reported cancellations affecting thousands of passengers, with strikes focused on workload and safety concerns.
Other nations, such as Germany and Belgium, reported minor disruptions, though not as severe. A new report from the European Travel Commission highlights the economic toll, estimating losses in the billions for the tourism industry, which is still recovering from COVID-19 setbacks. "This strike wave threatens the fragile recovery of travel," said Eduardo Santander, CEO of the commission.
Labor experts attribute the coordinated actions to a combination of factors, including the cost-of-living crisis and unresolved grievances from the pandemic era. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) supported the strikes, stating, "Workers in the aviation sector have been pushed to the limit. Fair compensation is essential for safe and reliable travel."
Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Lufthansa issued statements apologizing for inconveniences and offering rebooking options. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary criticized the strikes as "unnecessary," arguing that they harm passengers more than resolve issues. In contrast, union representatives emphasized the need for systemic changes, with one Italian union leader noting, "Without better conditions, the industry will continue to face shortages and safety risks."
The strikes vary in duration, with some one-day actions and others extending over weeks. For instance, Portuguese strikes were scheduled for specific dates in mid-September, while Dutch actions continued into late September. Travelers are facing not only cancellations but also knock-on effects like hotel shortages and missed connections.
Governments have responded differently. The French administration called for mediation, tying into national budget talks. Spain's government intervened with minimum service requirements to mitigate impacts. EU officials in Brussels urged dialogue between employers and unions to prevent escalation, noting the importance of aviation to the bloc's economy.
Historical parallels include the 2022 summer strikes that disrupted travel post-lockdowns. Analysts from the Centre for Aviation predict that without resolutions, winter travel could also be affected. Passenger rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 entitle affected travelers to compensation, though processing delays are common during such events.
Tourism boards in affected countries have launched campaigns to reassure visitors, emphasizing alternative transport options like trains. However, with rail services also impacted in some areas, options are limited. Environmental advocates have pointed out the irony, suggesting that reduced flights could benefit carbon emissions, though this view is not widely shared.
As September progresses, monitoring groups like Eurocontrol are providing real-time updates on air traffic. The cumulative effect has led to a dip in booking confidence, with some reports showing a 15% drop in reservations for affected routes.
In summary, this travel strike wave underscores ongoing labor tensions in Europe's aviation sector. Resolutions may require collective bargaining at a continental level to address shared challenges like staffing and economic pressures. Stakeholders hope for swift negotiations to restore normalcy before the holiday season.