DestinationsStrikes will be happening across Europe in December, threatening flights, trains, and public transport.

Be prepared for travel disruptions in Europe

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In Italy, the Union USB is staging a strike to protest government economic policies, disrupting airline, train, and public transport services nationwide.
In Italy, the Union USB is staging a strike to protest government economic policies, disrupting airline, train, and public transport services nationwide. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Kavalenkava

Travellers planning visits to Europe in the coming weeks face potential disruptions as strikes are set to affect transport services across the region. Workers are striking over pay and working conditions, impacting airlines, railways, and public transport.

In Italy, a 24-hour general strike led by the USB union on 13 December 2024 will disrupt flights, trains, public transport, ferry services to Sardinia and Sicily, and motorway toll booths. On 15 December, TechnoSky air navigation staff and air traffic controllers are staging walkouts, with further disruptions expected from public transport strikes on 10 January 2025 and in Florence on 12 and 25 January.

In France, strikes affecting high-speed TGV, regional TER services, and international routes began on 11 December and are expected to last until at least 25 December. EasyJet staff in France have filed an indefinite strike notice starting 16 December.

In Scotland, both domestic and international flights may be disrupted from 18 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.

Elsewhere in Europe, Finnair flights are expected to face delays on 13 December due to a pilots' strike in Finland. Meanwhile, Spain will see local and long-distance bus services disrupted by a nationwide strike organised by the CGT union.

Travel agents are advised to stay informed via official channels, review clients' travel insurance policies, and explore alternative routes for last-minute itinerary adjustments.

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