The past few years haven’t been the travel industry’s best. Demand for travel boomed, but capacity struggled to keep up which, among other factors, caused a summer of travel chaos for many.
2023 saw European workers standing up for their rights to fair pay and working conditions. For 2024, here’s what we know so far about the latest developments on Europe’s airport strikes and the possible impact on your travels.
Which airports in Europe have strikes?
At the time of publishing, there are planned strikes across Europe, including the United Kingdom, France and Belgium. These vary from terminal-specific security walkouts to nationwide strikes like those in France. Air traffic controllers have threatened to walk out in the coming months, so all eyes are on the unions and airports ahead of the dates being announced.
Air traffic control strikes in France
France’s largest air traffic control union, the SNCTA, which represents around 60 per cent of air traffic controllers, has filed a strike notice for this Thursday (25 April 2024).
The strikes are in protest of “unacceptable” proposed changes to job roles and could mean that up to 70 per cent of flights are cancelled, according to French media. In 2023, French air traffic controllers went on strike for more than non-consecutive 30 days. Cancellations and delays have been largely due to limited air traffic resources in France, which affects the country’s entire airspace. Overflights – when airplanes need to travel over French airspace despite not departing from, or arriving at, a French airport – are suffering cancellations. As a result, airlines have had to cancel hundreds of flights. Ryanair claims it has cancelled more than 300 flights across Europe.
The latest official travel advice states: “It is being reported that on Thursday 25 April 2024, flights across France will be disrupted, with many cancelled, following a call for strike action by air traffic control unions. Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights.”
Nice city airport, French RivieraGetty Images
UK Airport strikes
At Heathrow airport, there will be disruption in the coming weeks due to walkouts and strikes from Border Force teams and refuellers. Currently, strikes are planned for 72 hours from Saturday 4 May and between Tuesday 7 May and Monday, 13 May. For more information, see our guide to everything you need to know about the UK airport strikes.
The UK airport strikes have the power to disrupt several holidays this year – here’s the latest on the walkouts
Airport strikes in Belgium
Despite a series of threats and postponements, a strike warning is still in place at Brussels’ Charleroi Airport – at least until the end of April. The walk-out threats are a result of poor working conditions.
What should I do if there are airport strikes while I’m on holiday?
Airlines and operators are obliged to share the latest information if it affects your travels. When using an impacted airport or airline, check the latest flight information on the departure airport’s website and opt-in for email and text notifications to stay updated with all the latest news.
