It’s October half-term, and families heading off for a well-deserved break might face travel disruptions
It’s October half-term, and families heading off for a well-deserved break might face travel disruptions(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
People planning to travel by air or rail over coming weeks should be aware they might face travel disruptions due to industrial action across air and rail travel.
Storm Boelo has already caused delays and flight cancellations, and now several strikes across Europe could also affect your holiday.
Here’s a look at upcoming strikes and industrial action in Europe that could impact your travel plans. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter
France
Following weeks of protests and unrest, France will have a national rail strike on November 5. The country’s four main rail unions, CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots, have called for a 24-hour strike.
The strike will affect the TGV, Intercités, TER, and Île-de-France Transilien/RER networks and is expected to cause widespread disruption, with cancellations and major delays.
According to The Local France, workers are “raising concerns over the draft of the 2027 budget, wages, jobs, working conditions and the future of public services.”
Italy
Ground-handling staff at Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport and Florence Peretola Airport will hold a confirmed 24-hour walkout on October 30.
The USB Lavoro Privato union organised the strike, which will affect ground-handling, check-in, boarding, and baggage staff from Toscana Aeroporti, GH Toscana, and Consulta.
Italian aviation strike rules usually guarantee essential flights during the morning (7am to 10am) and evening (6pm to 9pm) periods.
If you’re travelling through Pisa or Florence on that day, you could face disruptions. Check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and other ground services may be delayed, which could mean longer waits and possible baggage issues.
Check your flight status with your airline before you go to the airport.
Regional Trenitalia customer operations staff in Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Rimini, Reggio Emilia) will also hold a 24-hour strike on 28–29 October.
Spain
On October 29, a Renfe Rail Strike in Spain will affect travel, as SEMAF union staff stage a 24-hour national walkout.
The Spanish government requires minimum service levels, so 73% of high-speed and long-distance trains and 65% of medium-distance trains will still run.
Ouigo train drivers have also confirmed 24-hour strikes on 30 October and 2 November, with partial morning and evening stoppages on November 6 and 9.
Portugal
From December 19 to 23, easyJet Portugal cabin crew will strike. The SNPVAC union has called a multi-day strike for all easyJet cabin crew based in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
Pilots are not involved, but flights to and from these airports could be disrupted. Minimum services are in place for essential routes to Madeira and Porto Santo, but delays or cancellations are still likely.
What to do if you are affected by strikes
If strikes disrupt your holiday or airline, contact your travel provider right away. Know your passenger rights under UK and EU rules, and keep receipts for any extra expenses.
Don’t cancel your booking if your flight or train is delayed or uncertain. If the operator cancels, you’re entitled to a full refund or free rebooking. If you cancel first, you might lose these rights.
If a rail strike blocks your route, regional coach networks like FlixBus usually keep running and often add extra seats to meet demand.
Check your travel insurance “Travel Disruption” clause. Standard policies often exclude strikes if the industrial action was already publicly announced or widely reported before you bought the policy or booked your trip. Compare the strike notice date with your purchase date.
You can also follow our travel reporter Portia Jones on TikTok for the latest travel updates.
