Italy Joins Spain, France, Portugal and UK for Total Travel Chaos as Christmas Holidays are at Risk as Strikes and Walkouts Ground Flights, Delay Trains and Disrupt Public Transport Across Europe!

Italy joins Spain, France, Portugal, and the UK for total travel chaos, as Christmas holidays face serious risk. Strikes and sectoral walkouts are set to cause massive disruption across Europe. Flights are being grounded, trains delayed, and public transport affected by walkouts from airport staff, rail workers, and other public service employees. In Italy, airport strikes will cripple major travel hubs like Rome and Milan in mid-December, causing delays and cancellations. Spain has been battling ongoing ground handling strikes, while France and Portugal prepare for widespread train and metro disruptions. Even the UK is gearing up for chaos, with border control and airport delays expected.

Christmas is a time for family reunions, holidays, and travel, but for thousands of passengers across Europe in 2025, it’s about to become a holiday nightmare. As the festive season ramps up, airport workers and train staff are walking off the job, sparking chaos at major travel hubs across Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UK. Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the disruptions and plan your travels accordingly.

Strike Chaos in Italy: Airport Walkouts to Affect Flights

Italy is bracing for significant travel disruptions in mid-December. On 17 December, airport workers across the country, including air traffic controllers, ground handlers, and airline staff, are scheduled to walk out for a four-hour strike from 1 pm to 5 pm. This strike is set to cause flight delays and longer wait times for check-in and baggage handling. The worst affected airports will include Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Catania, and Venice.

Passengers flying with popular carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and ITA Airways could experience flight delays or cancellations as these airline staff participate in the strike. Even if you are not directly affected by the walkout, prepare for longer wait times throughout the day as the ripple effects of the strike impact other sectors of the airport’s operations.

If you’re travelling to or from Italy, it’s crucial to check with your airline for updates on potential disruptions. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) will publish a list of guaranteed flights that are not affected by the strike. Make sure to consult this list to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Portugal’s Nationwide General Strike Threatens Public Transport and Airports

In Portugal, Christmas travel chaos is on the horizon as a general strike was carried out on 12 December 2025. This nationwide walkout was led by two of the largest unions, CGTP and UGT, and is set to disrupt several public services, including rail, metro, buses, and airports. The strike is a protest against the government’s proposed labour reforms and the 2026 state budget.

With limited services guaranteed, commuters in Lisbon and Porto will face disruptions. TAP Air Portugal flights, as well as other airline services operating at Lisbon Airport and Porto, are likely to experience delays and cancellations due to the strike.

Rail and public transport services are expected to be severely limited, especially during peak hours. If you’re planning to travel by train or metro in Portugal, it’s advisable to check for alternative routes and give yourself extra time to avoid the last-minute rush.

Spain’s Ongoing Strikes at Ryanair’s Ground Handling Partners

Spain is no stranger to airport strikes, and 2025 is proving to be no different. Since August, Ryanair’s ground handling partner, Azul Handling, has been in a continuous battle over workers’ rights. Staff at Airports across Spain have staged weekly walkouts, primarily protesting for better pay, job stability, and improved working conditions.

This ongoing disruption is set to continue until 31 December 2025, with workers planning weekly strikes on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 5 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 3 pm, and 9 pm to midnight. Airports affected by this strike include popular travel hubs like Alicante, Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid-Barajas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife South, and Valencia.
If you’re flying with Ryanair or other airlines that use Azul Handling for ground services, prepare for delays and long queues for both check-in and baggage collection. It’s important to keep an eye on live flight updates through your airline’s website and app.

France Faces Major Rail Strikes in December

France is gearing up for its own travel disruptions, especially for those relying on rail services. A major strike by French rail unions is planned for 2 December 2025. This national strike is expected to have a significant impact on SNCF, the French national railway, including long-distance TGV trains and local TER services.

The strike is part of broader protests against the French government’s austerity measures related to the 2026 national budget. While some minimum services will operate, travellers should expect delays and service cancellations on both high-speed and regional trains.

If you’re relying on Eurostar or Thalys for cross-border travel between France and neighbouring countries, your journey may also be disrupted. It’s recommended to check the status of your train before travel, and rebook if necessary.

Belgium Braces for a General Strike on 15 December

Belgium is also gearing up for a general strike on 15 December 2025. Organised by trade unions, this nationwide walkout will affect Brussels, Wallonia, and other major cities. Public services, including railways, metro, bus services, and airports, are expected to face severe disruptions.

Passengers travelling through Brussels Airport may experience delays at security checks, baggage handling, and flight departures. Local commuter services in Brussels and across the country will likely be suspended or operate with limited service.

SNCB, the Belgian national railway, has already issued warnings about the strike, and travellers should expect cancellations and delays on all train services. It’s highly advisable to confirm the status of your travel arrangements before departing.

UK Border Force and Airport Strikes: What You Need to Know This Christmas

As the Christmas holiday season approaches, travelers in the UK are facing potential disruptions due to Border Force and airport staff strikes. While sectoral walkouts have been a feature of past holiday periods, particularly in 2022, the situation for Christmas 2025 is still developing. Border Force workers, who are responsible for processing international passengers, are expected to strike from 23–31 December 2025, according to VisaHQ reports. During these strikes, passport control delays at major airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester are likely. The UK government is already preparing contingency measures, including deploying civil servants and military personnel to manage border controls and minimize disruption.

Although no official strike dates have been confirmed for airport workers, there are ongoing concerns about delays at UK airports due to possible walkouts related to poor pay and working conditions. With holiday travel reaching its peak, passengers should stay updated through real-time airline notifications and check government travel advisories for the latest information on possible delays at customs and passport checks. Being prepared and flexible will be key to navigating these challenges during the festive season.

How to Prepare for the Strikes

With Christmas travel chaos on the horizon, here’s how you can prepare for the upcoming strikes:

1. Monitor Real-time Flight and Train Status

Always stay updated with your airline’s website and train operators’ live notifications. Many airlines provide alerts for delays and cancellations through their mobile apps or websites. For rail services, official transport websites like SNCF, TAP Portugal, or ENAC provide timely updates on strike effects and minimum service guarantees.

2. Allow Extra Time for Travel

Expect longer wait times at check-in counters, security checks, and baggage collection areas at affected airports. Arrive earlier than usual to avoid stress, especially if you’re flying during strike hours.

3. Know Your Rights

In the event of cancellations or long delays, you may be entitled to compensation or a new flight ticket. According to EU regulation 261/2004, passengers are eligible for compensation depending on the length of the delay and the reason for the cancellation. Keep your ticket and receipts handy for claims.

4. Check Alternative Routes

If you’re planning to travel by train, bus, or metro, always have a backup plan in case of cancellations. Look for alternative routes and be flexible with your travel schedule.
For example, if you are in Italy and flights are delayed, train services might still be running — albeit possibly slower.

5. Pack Your Patience

Above all, it’s important to remember that while strikes and delays are incredibly frustrating, they are often out of your control. Pack some patience along with your luggage and expect minor inconveniences during what should otherwise be a joyous season.

In Conclusion: A Challenging Holiday Season Ahead for Travellers

Europe is facing a turbulent Christmas 2025 for travellers. As strike actions ramp up across several European countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UK, it’s crucial to stay informed about flight disruptions, train delays, and public transport issues. The key to managing travel disruptions is being prepared and flexible. Always check for updates, consider alternative routes, and be ready to adjust your plans. This holiday season, the Grinch may not be the only thing stealing your Christmas cheer — it might just be the strikes.

Source: Euronews