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Strikes in Europe Are Leaving Some Travelers Stranded. What You Need to Know.

As workers in Europe protest low wages and adverse working conditions, travelers may find themselves having to contend with disruptions. Experts offer some tips.

By Isabella Kwai

Travelers to Europe are largely free from coronavirus restrictions, but they may have to contend with another challenge: navigating disruptions as airline, railway and bus workers walk off the job over low wages and labor conditions.

That was the case on Feb. 17 after a full-day strike by airport employees across Germany halted airline operations countrywide, leading Lufthansa, Germany’s largest airline, to cancel more than 1,300 flights . Some travelers were stranded overnight.

“People were tired and desperate,” said Kate Kennedy, 43, who was transiting through Frankfurt to London with her family when their flight home was canceled. She, her sister, their partners and four young children spent much of the day waiting for standby flights. Lufthansa was not much help, she said, adding, “It was such a shame to end a holiday like that.”

Travel experts are anticipating a busy travel season ahead , with bookings to many European destinations matching, and, in some cases, surpassing prepandemic numbers. But with high inflation continuing to pressure European workers who say they are underpaid and overworked, strikes are expected to hit industries from aviation to rail and urban metros.

“It’s going to be an uncertain environment and one that’s subject to a lot of disruption and inconvenience for travelers,” said Henry Harteveldt, the founder of Atmosphere Research Group , a travel industry research company based in the United States.

Here’s a look at how labor disruptions could affect travelers to Europe in the weeks and months ahead.

Who is striking and where?

Several European countries are expecting widespread industrial action in the coming months.

In Britain, ongoing national railway strikes will stymie train journeys through at least April 1, and Heathrow Airport security guards and engineers are voting on whether to join them over the mid-April Easter break. Passport Office workers will also strike in April, meaning there may be delays in processing renewals of the British document.

In France, an unpopular bill pushed through by President Emmanuel Macron that would raise the country’s retirement age has prompted disruptive demonstrations and some clashes with police. Labor unions that represent workers in several sectors have held several mass strikes that have stymied movement, with King Charles III of Britain even postponing a state visit on March 28 because of expected cross-industry labor unrest that day. Workers at the country’s national railway operator, SNCF, have walked out several times already this year, and unions have not ruled out continuing the action. Civil aviation authorities have asked airlines to reduce flight schedules to cope with the disruptions.

Air traffic controllers in Spain, deadlocked over pay negotiations, have walked out on Tuesdays in March at some 16 Spanish airports , and Swissport, a Zurich-based company that provides ground-handling services for several major airlines, has confirmed that its unionized employees in Spain will participate in rolling strikes until April 13. In Italy, baggage handlers, railway staff and some local public transport workers will also be striking throughout March and into April, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport .

And Ver.di, one union behind a spate of March walkouts at airports in Germany that grounded flights , has said it is prepared to stage more walkouts if wage negotiations are not resolved.

How can I plan for a strike?

The first thing to do is to check whether your trip might coincide with a planned strike, travel experts say, and avoid traveling on those dates, if possible.

Strike notices are typically posted weeks in advance. Travelers should do their own research rather than wait for airlines or agents to share critical information, said Mr. Harteveldt, the travel analyst. “It’s definitely not an easy time to travel, and travelers have to really take the initiative to protect themselves,” he said.

That includes checking local news sites and setting alerts for strike dates. Some authorities, including in Italy, provide a calendar of national and regional strikes . Eurail B.V., a company that sells European rail passes, has a list of many anticipated disruptions by country .

Also, Mr. Harteveldt said, consider flying to your destination a few days before or after a planned strike if you’re traveling for a time-sensitive event like a wedding or a funeral. And make sure the airlines and your travel adviser, if you used one, have your up-to-date contact details in the event of last-minute changes. If that happens, be prepared to accept compromises and alternative routes to your final destination.

“If you’re coming over to Europe, I would try to book as early as you can,” said Sean Tipton, a spokesman for ABTA, a trade association for British travel agents.

Rob Stern , another travel adviser, offers his clients some practical tips when traveling in places where labor disruptions are a strong possibility: Visit your most important attractions at the beginning of a city visit, avoid one-day trips, and book a backup travel option in advance if you can.

“Strikes can be alarming to travelers, but they don’t need to be stressful,” said Rick Steves , the travel writer and television host, adding that because strikes are generally announced in advance, flexible travelers can find alternatives. “Ask your hotelier, talk to locals, look for signs, check online and then adapt from there.”

What am I entitled to if my flight or train is delayed?

Under European Union rules , if an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight, travelers flying into, out of, or within the bloc (with some exceptions) have the right to either a refund or a replacement flight with the original airline or with a partner airline. Those rules also apply to travelers from Britain, even though it is no longer in the European Union.

You may be entitled to reimbursement for personal costs, such as food and accommodations, if you are delayed overnight. And if your flight is delayed for three hours or more, you may also claim further compensation of between 250 euros to 600 euros, or about $265 to $635, depending on the distance of the trip .

Airlines may not be obligated to pay compensation if there are extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, or a strike by workers not related to the airline, such as air traffic controllers.

Many American travelers in Europe are unaware of their passenger rights, which include reimbursement for luggage gone astray as a result of labor actions, said Igor Mass, a founder of My Fly Right . The group, which is based in Germany, helps about 100,000 passengers in Europe each year prosecute airlines to get compensation for flight disruptions and lost luggage. Mr. Mass advises travelers to document any inconveniences: Make sure you have written confirmation of flight delays and hold onto receipts incurred during disruptions, so you can support your claims later.

Whether such claims are resolved quickly , however, depends on the airline. Airline call centers and travel agents may be swamped by customer requests if a strike affects operations, which could lead to long wait times to get assistance.

For flights that involve connections, Mr. Tipton suggests booking the trip as a single ticket, rather than as multiple flight bookings. Under European Union and British law, a single ticket protects customers by putting the responsibility on the airline to see the traveler through to their final destination. “If you miss the first leg, it’s the airline’s problem. They still have to get you on another flight back to the U.S.,” he said.

In the event of a strike, most European railway companies will offer refunds or a chance to rebook on a later train, but it is best to check the railway operator’s website for updates. For instance, Comboios de Portugal, which operates trains in Portugal, has travel alerts on its website with information on how to seek a refund in the event of a strike.

Should I get travel insurance?

If you own a credit card, check first to see if it comes with travel insurance that will cover labor disruptions.

“Find out what is covered, and if there is a financial limit or any other restrictions,” Mr. Harteveldt said. After that, he added, it’s up to the individual traveler to determine if any additional travel insurance will provide peace of mind.

Some travel insurance may “cover incidental expenses, like the hotel stay you have reserved in the next city you can’t get to in time,” Mr. Stern said.

If you decide to buy extra travel insurance , check the terms and conditions. Some, for example, may not offer coverage if strike dates have already been called by the time you buy the insurance.

Anything else to keep in mind?

Even if an industrial action disrupts your plans, it’s important to not become overly anxious about the outcome, Mr. Tipton said. “It’ll be an inconvenience rather than a disaster.”

And the event might add another perspective for tourists. “My favorite way to handle strikes is to view them as a cultural experience,” said Mr. Steves, recounting a visit to Marseille, France, during a strike. “I explored the markets, enjoyed photographing striking parents as children rode on their shoulders, and learned firsthand what labor action is all about.”

But the flight disruptions after the German airport workers’ strike earlier this month added more than a day of travel for Ms. Kennedy and her family, who said they waited six hours at the airport before they resigned themselves to staying in Frankfurt for the night. “The kids were broken,” she said. Displeased with the customer service she had received from Lufthansa, Ms. Kennedy said she is planning to seek compensation for the delay.

She also suggests keeping phone and device chargers in your hand luggage. “We would have really struggled without them.”

Despite her ordeal, she was not apprehensive about traveling again — she is already scheduling another trip during the Easter holidays to visit her sister in Denmark.

After her Frankfurt experience, she said, “I think I’d do a little bit more research around where I’m going and what the strike situation is there.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

News | World

Spanish airport strikes: When are staff striking and how will it impact my travel?

Travel chaos is set to extend beyond the summer as airport staff in Spain intend to strike for 25 days between September and December in protest over pay and working conditions.

Three Spanish unions – USO, CCOO and UGT – have organised the strikes amid an ongoing dispute with airport operator AENA.

Airport workers, including car-park staff, baggage handlers, security, IT, retail, and catering staff, will walk out for 24-hour periods over the next four months.

These strikes are set to disrupt holidays in Spain over the autumn and winter – particularly over the Christmas holidays.

Find out below when the strikes are taking place and how they may impact your flights.

When are the Spanish airport strikes?

The workers will walk out over five days in September, seven days in October, two days in November, and 11 days in December.

There will be strikes on September 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29, as well as strikes on December 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30.

Additionally, Ryanair cabin crew in Spain, backed by the SITCPLA union, will also reportedly strike every week, from Monday to Thursday, until January 7.

These strikes will impact airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca. However, Ryanair has said it expects minimal disruption this winter.

How will the Spanish airport strikes impact holidays?

Anyone intending to travel to, from, or within Spain between September and December – especially on the confirmed strike dates – should keep checking for travel updates.

Flights may be cancelled or delayed if the unions and the airport operator do not reach an agreement.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

Amid the ongoing strikes – plus the news that British Airways will cut around 10,000 short-haul flights from Heathrow between late October and March – anyone planning on travelling over the next few months should be aware of their rights if their flight is cancelled .

If a flight is cancelled, passengers have the right to either a full refund, including other flights from the airline that you won’t use in the same booking such as onward or return flights, or a replacement flight to get you to your destination.

Passengers are also entitled to compensation if the cancellation is the airline’s responsibility, but the amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on when the flight was cancelled, the distance of the flight, and the departure and arrival times of the rescheduled flight.

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What to Know About Traveling in Europe Amid Protests and Strikes

T ravelers hoping to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris were in for a surprise on Monday: instead of the Mona Lisa, they saw a crowd of protestors blocking museum entrances amid ongoing protests by union workers sweeping the city. The protests are the latest disruptions for those traveling to Europe this spring, as aviation, railway, and bus workers continue to strike over poor pay, working conditions, and other government policies.

Travel experts advise international travelers to expect and prepare for the disruptions well in advance of a busy travel season in Europe. While it’s unlikely the strikes will wipe out your travel plans entirely, there are ways you can circumvent unexpected roadblocks—starting with checking if your flights, hotel reservations, and itineraries overlap with any planned industrial action.

“The most important thing for travelers to pack when going to Europe this spring is their patience,” adds Michael Holtz, Founder, and CEO of SmartFlyer .

Where are the strikes happening and why?

Industrial action is expected to ripple across Europe on multiple days and in many countries.

The latest disruption for passengers occurred in France due to air traffic controller strikes, where workers have joined an unprecedented wave of industrial action against President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular reforms for pension, which will raise the age of retirement from 62 to 64. Additionally, tens of thousands of people are striking in various French cities as part of their workers’ unions, which includes train, metro and bus drivers.

European airlines have warned this may delay planes landing, taking off, or flying over French airspace. While French law dictates domestic flights must continue during strikes, international flights entering French airspace are not similarly protected. RyanAir, Europe’s biggest airline, is asking customers to sign a petition urging the European Commission to keep the skies open.

Read More: Protests Sweep France After Pension Reform Is Forced Through by Macron

In Germany, two of the country’s largest unions went on strike earlier this week to demand higher pay at airports, ports, railways, underground services, and buses, leading Lufthansa Airlines to ground its flights through March 28. The airline advised travelers via email not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking for a flight. It also urged those who were planning to take a domestic flight to travel by train instead. More flight cancellations are expected this summer .

In the U.K., nearly a thousand border officers have striked on several occasions. At London’s Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, a 10-day strike over a pay dispute has been announced by security guards during the Easter holiday period beginning March 31, although Heathrow stated it will continue to be “open and operational” during this time.

Visitors to Italy are also advised to keep checking if strike announcements overlap with their travel dates as strikes are expected to disrupt transport across the country, with gas station workers taking to the streets to protest against the high prices of petrol. In Spain, 17 airports are affected, including Madrid, Barcelona and Tenerife, as ground staff working for Swissport Handling continue to strike over pay and working conditions until mid-April. (The planned action doesn’t impact major airlines like Ryanair or easyJet.)

How can you plan your travel during a strike?

In most cases, an agreement is usually reached before strike action goes ahead, which means that travelers can hopefully avoid disruptions, says Sean Tipton from the ABTA, a trade association for the U.K. travel industry.

“That said, some strikes will go ahead. So the next thing to do is to put an efficient contingency plan in place,” said Tipton.

Know all the details: Often, strike notices are posted weeks in advance. In most cases, the airlines or train operators will share critical information over email or text messages, but you should also do your own research on whether your trip might be affected by strike action. Check local news sites and airport authority websites as many will post a calendar of proposed strike action.

If possible, avoid dates when strike action is planned. But if traveling on those days is necessary, figure out alternate routes to reach your destination and take detours to avoid areas that may be impacted by the protests. Plan for your safety, too. For example, U.S. travelers can register for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get current safety information and be contacted by the embassy in emergencies.

And finally, it’s always good travel discipline to have a backup plan, said Tipton. That can include figuring out alternate routes or means of travel; chalking up a different sightseeing itinerary; or planning what to do in instances where you may have to wait for the next available flight or train.

Usually, airlines or train operators are obligated to arrange alternatives for passengers affected by delays or cancellations. Being a member of frequent flyer clubs may enable you to access extra benefits like lounge access through your airlines. Experts also suggest packing everything in your hand luggage: “That way, you can avoid baggage control issues,” Tipton said.

What can you do if your flight or train is delayed or canceled?

In the worst-case scenario where your flight or train is canceled due to strike action, most airlines and train operators will arrange a replacement train or flight or issue a refund. In the instance of overnight transit, the airlines will also pay for your accommodation. You’ll likely have to purchase food or other necessary items, so Tipton advises keeping all your receipts so that you can claim reimbursements from your airlines.

Another hack from Tipton is to purchase a “through ticket” where possible, which means booking all flights to your destination in one go, rather than through multiple, separate bookings. By law, through tickets protect customers by ensuring customers reach their final destination despite unexpected changes or delays. “That’s a good protection if you’re flying long haul, and where your travel involves separate flights,” he said,

Holtz at SmartFlyer also recommends booking through a travel advisor, which can arm travelers with local fixers on the ground in case of disruptions or emergencies. “Even if you hit a snag on your way to a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley and your agent is still sleeping, you’ve got a local contact who can step in to help,” he said.

Finally, think about taking out travel insurance. Some credit cards automatically entitle you to insurance that covers labor disruptions, but it’s helpful to check exactly what is covered and what the card’s limits may be. Then, you can determine if you need to purchase additional coverage. “You should always take out travel insurance,” said Tipton, because “without it, you could end up with potentially horrendous bills” in case of medical or other travel emergencies.

In every instance, Tipton says the most important thing is to be aware of your rights. “At the very least, you are entitled to ask for your money back if your flight was canceled,” he said. Travelers can read more about their rights under the European Union rules , which also apply to travelers from Britain (which is no longer part of the E.U.).

Other tips and tricks to make your travel smooth and enjoyable

Holtz says that post-pandemic, travel has adapted to become slower in all the best ways. This means that creating room for flexibility and spontaneity is key.

“By planning for a longer length of stay versus trying to combine too many things, you set yourself up not to be too stressed if the unexpected happens,” he said.

And Tipton’s last piece of advice might sound surprising: don’t over-prepare by arriving at the airport earlier than necessary. Last summer, travelers worried about lining up in long queues at U.K. airports arrived six or seven hours in advance, which in turn created more chaos.

“Suddenly, an airport that would’ve otherwise been empty became full. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Tipton warned.

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Why are the Ryanair strikes happening? What’s behind the Spain workers striking and full list of dates

The workers are striking over pay and working conditions. the unions have called on the airline to resume negotiations.

This is the first summer since 2019 that people have been able to go away without having to worry about Covid tests and traffic light systems.

But it has still been far from plain sailing – or flying – for holidaymakers, owing to continued chaos at airports .

Low staffing numbers have caused long queues and a huge number of cancelled flights .

And the disruption won’t stop anytime soon, as staff at major airlines including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair are going on a series of strikes .

Here is everything you need to know about the Ryanair strikes.

When are the Ryanair strikes?

Ryanair staff in Spanish airports have gone on strike, the USO and SICTPLA unions have confirmed.

The strikes began on Thursday and caused the airline to cancel 10 flights in Spain on Saturday.

Ryanair cabin crew will also strike on 12-15, 18-21 and 25-28 July at 10 airports across Spain.

In a statement on Saturday, Ryanair said it expected “minimal (if any) disruption to its flight schedules in July as a result of minor and poorly- supported Spanish labour strikes”.

It added that “air traffic control (ATC) strikes and airport staff shortages across Europe (which are beyond Ryanair’s control) may however cause some minor disruption and passengers whose flights are disrupted will be notified by email/SMS”.

You can use Ryanair’s flight tracker to check on the status of upcoming services.

Why are Ryanair staff striking?

The workers are striking over pay and working conditions. The unions have called on the airline to resume negotiations.

“The unions and crew of Ryanair demand a change of attitude from the airline,” they said in a statement.

Staff want a deal that “guarantees decent work conditions for all personnel” at the airline, they added.

They also urged the Spanish government “not to allow Ryanair to violate labour legislation and constitutional rights such as the right to strike”.

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled or delayed because of strikes you may be able to receive compensation.

If your flights are part of a package holiday, you will either be offered alternative travel or a full refund.

If you purchased the flights alone, your compensation depends on when your flight is cancelled or how long you are delayed for.

If your flight is cancelled, your airline should offer you the choice of an alternative flight or a refund.

Airlines must also offer you sufficient drink and accommodation if your flight is cancelled at short notice and your new flight is the following day.

This assistance must also be offered if your flight is delayed by at least two hours.

If your flight is cancelled with less than two weeks’ notice, you may be able to claim compensation based on the timings of the alternative flight.

The amount you’re entitled to also depends on how far you were travelling.

For flights under 1,500km, you can claim up to £220 per person.

For flights more than 3,500km, you can claim up to £520 per person.

Find out more from the Civil Aviation Authority website here .

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Traveling to Europe? What you should know about recent and planned strikes

Travelers visiting Europe in the coming weeks may want to prepare for disruptions beyond the usual flight delay or cancellation.

A series of ongoing and planned strikes among transit and aviation workers – among others – in popular tourist destinations such as France and the United Kingdom could impact various parts of their trips, from the speed of entry upon arrival to the ease of getting around once they're there.

International travelers can take steps to stay informed about ways the strikes might impact them during their visit. Here's what they should know about recent and upcoming strikes in Europe.

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Where are the strikes in Europe?

Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris and other cities across France Wednesday to denounce the government's pension plan as unfair to female workers, in demonstrations meant to coincide with International Women's Day.

The show of anger against French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 is set to continue in the coming days, as train and metro drivers, refinery workers, garbage collectors and others have said they would continue ongoing strikes.

Unions aim at maintaining pressure on the government as senators debate the changes.

Story continues below. 

► Rail and metro authorities announced that trains, including international lines, and the Paris metro will be severely disrupted on Thursday, like on previous days. In addition, up to one-third of all flights are expected to be canceled in French airports.

► Unions have also called for a new day of nationwide demonstrations on Saturday.

Travelers headed to the U.K. may also face longer wait times at border control due to a strike later this month. 

► Border Force operations will be impacted by a strike between March 15 and the morning of March 16, according to the U.K. Home Office.

"The proposed strike action will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France," the Home Office said in a news release .

► There are also ongoing strikes among air traffic controllers in Spain, and baggage handlers and transit workers in Italy have plans to strike this month, according to the country's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. There have been recent strikes at several Germany  airports, as well.

How can travelers prepare for strikes in Europe?

Going to France:

Visitors and American residents in France "are advised to assess the impact of the strikes on their personal travel plans by monitoring social media accounts of major service providers, including their operating airline and airport, RATP (for Paris area transport), and local police authorities," a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Paris said in an email.

U.S. travelers should register for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , the spokesperson said, which can help them get current safety information and allow the embassy to reach them in case of an emergency. They also noted that the majority of French authorities and service operators have apps that can provide travelers with service updates.

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"Road, rail, sea and air transportation may all impacted and restrict the ability to access major cities and travel within them," the spokesperson said. "Service disruptions will be announced by operators as plans for the strikes evolve."

Going to the United Kingdom:

The U.K. Home Office is working with airports and ports on plans to minimize delays if the strike goes forward, according to a spokesperson, but travelers should prepare for possible disruptions. "We will deploy suitable resource to meet critical demand and support the flow of passengers and goods through our border," the spokesperson said in an email.

The Home Office also said travelers should check the most recent guidance from their operators before their trip, and encouraged those eligible to use eGates if they are available.

"Please be patient and respect officers who are working to keep our citizens safe and border secure, and supporting travellers during the strike action," the government department said in its  release .

What happens if my flight is canceled because of a strike?

If a flight is canceled, passengers are entitled to have their ticket reimbursed, to be rerouted or a booked on a return flight, no matter the circumstances, according to European Union rules . They may also be entitled to compensation if they were notified fewer than two weeks before their departing flight.

If a carrier can prove the cancellation was caused " extraordinary circumstances ," however, travelers are not owed compensation. A strike organized by a carrier's trade union staff to support worker demands does not meet that definition. 

"Therefore, internal strike action does not release the airline from its obligation to pay compensation in the event of cancellation or long delay of flights," the E.U. website reads. "However, strikes ‘external’ to the airline, such as strike action taken by air traffic controllers or airport staff, may constitute an extraordinary circumstance."

Flyers who arrive at their destination 3 hours late or more may also be owed compensation, if the delay was not because of extraordinary circumstances. Airlines are also required to provide travelers who are delayed two or more hours at departure with refreshments and accommodations when needed.

The U.K.  has similar rules .

Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY; Sylvie Corbet and Alexander Turnbull, Associated Press

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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These are all the strikes at European airports you need to watch out for right now

Here’s a guide to all the strikes happening in travel right now – and how they might affect your holiday

It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis and pandemic-era pay cuts, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too.

Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have been going on strike. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France , airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action.

Strikes can, obvs, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them.

Air traffic control strikes in France

France’s largest air traffic control union, the SNCTA, which represents around 60 percent of air traffic controllers, has filed a strike notice for this Thursday ( April 25 ). 

If the industrial action goes ahead, which is in protest of ‘unacceptable’ proposed changes to their job role, it could mean that up to 70 percent of flights are cancelled, according to French media. 

UK Border Force strikes

Border Force workers at London Heathrow have planned a walkout from April 29 - May 2 in protest of plans to lay off staff, which could cause major disruption to international flights. 

There are also plans for a ‘work to rule’ strike between May 3-18 , and 50 refuelling workers could be staging a 72-hour strike over benefit cuts. 

Catering workers strike at Gatwick Airport

If you’re flying with easyJet or TUI anytime soon, you might want to eat before you board. Around 100 Dnata catering workers who work on the two airlines – including HGV drivers and warehouse workers – are planning strike action on April 26-29 , May 3-6 and 10-13 . 

Strikes at Belgium’s Charleroi Airport

The Brussels airport has issued a strike warning that could last until the end of April, as catering staff and baggage handlers are expected to walk out at the start of May if their concerns about working conditions aren’t addressed, according to euronews . 

What happens if your airline goes on strike?

If the staff on strike cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled, the airline is usually obliged to help you and/or provide compensation. However, this often depends on the conditions of carriage of your airline, as well as the extent of your travel insurance. These should both be easily accessed on either your airline or insurer’s website. 

However, if you book your flight  already knowing that a strike is set to take place (ie. it’s already been announced by the union), you are exceptionally unlikely to receive compensation. Before you book, be sure to check for any strike dates not just at your intended airline but also at departure and arrival airports.

Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that the threat of a strike is exactly that: a threat. Strikes are primarily used as bargaining chips in negotiations between unions and employers, so there’s always the chance that both sides will come to an agreement before one actually takes place.

In any case, if your journey involves any of the above airlines, destinations and dates, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status and prepare for a more disrupted journey than expected.

ICYMI: This airport just took the crown from Singapore as the world’s best .

Plus:  how to track down lost baggage and get compensation .

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Heathrow Border Force, Gatwick catering woes and French ATC: The travel strikes hitting Europe in April and May

Editor's Note

We always hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are strikes and other disruptions across Europe to look out for in the coming weeks.

If you plan to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage . Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to in terms of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.

Here are the strikes to be aware of in the U.K. and Europe.

Related: The best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

Heathrow Border Force and refueling worker strikes

When: april 29-may 2, may 3-18 and may 4-6.

First, it was on, then it was off. Now, it's back on again: Border Force workers — the staff members who carry out immigration controls and passport checks — based at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) are set to walk out between April 29 and May 2. The four-day strike action has the potential to cause serious disruption to international flights.

In addition to those dates, there will be a "work to rule" strike between May 3 and 18, when workers will only carry out essential tasks.

The strike involves members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, with 90% of its members voting in favor of the walkouts. The strike is over disputes regarding the U.K. government's planned changes to schedules and shift patterns.

Adding further woe at Heathrow, about 50 refueling workers will also stage a 72-hour strike to protest benefit cuts between May 4 and 6.

Catering workers for EasyJet and Tui at Gatwick Airport

When: april 26-29, may 3-6 and may 10-13.

Around 100 Dnata catering staff, including drivers and warehouse workers, will walk out on three consecutive weekends in April and May. The walkouts will affect services on EasyJet and Tui Airways flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

The strikes — which involve about 100 workers — are due to take place April 26-29, May 3-6 and May 10-13.

Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren't

Air traffic controller strike in France

Air traffic controllers at French airports are threatening to strike April 25. While the strike could be averted, the clock is ticking; the staff only has until April 23 to call off the strike. If the strike goes ahead, it could disrupt up to 70% of flights arriving at the country's major airports and passing through French airspace.

France transport strike notice

When: feb. 5 to sept. 9.

Staff members employed by the state-owned Ile-de-France bus and metro network commenced a seven-month strike notice period in early February over pay. If they don't come to an agreement during this period, the strikes could likely take place during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bottom line

One thing worth remembering about strikes is that nothing is certain, and it's always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal.

However, the current economy can be challenging. Workers are struggling through the deepening cost of living, and travel companies are desperate to appease shareholders. The pressures on both sides of the fence seem unlikely to evaporate anytime soon.

The chances of more strikes across the travel sector are high. Keep an eye on these dates and plan accordingly.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Thousands protest against over-tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands

Demonstrators say mass tourism is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, which began at midday (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government’s representative in the islands.

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Flag-waving crowds packed the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago’s seven islands, chanting and whistling, and holding placards with slogans like: “The Canary Islands are not up for sale!”; “A moratorium on tourism”; and “Respect my home”.

“It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed,” one of the protesters told the Reuters news agency during the march in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Smaller marches were held elsewhere in the island group and other Spanish cities, all of them organised by about two dozen environmental organisations ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco-tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and a clampdown on the sale of properties to non-residents.

“The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious. The Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience [does], too,” Antonio Bullon, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters.

‘We can’t keep looking away’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals. A draft law expected to pass this year – one that toughens the rules on short lets – follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said on Friday that he felt “proud” that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

“We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,” he told a press conference.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain’s economy.

The Canary Islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism – a sector that accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Before the coronavirus pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, over-tourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged, with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

Jet2 issues Spain travel warning to anyone flying to tourist hotspot in October

Transport strikes will affect tourist hotspots such as Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura

• 13:28, 2 OCT 2023
• Updated 14:08, 2 OCT 2023

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Airline Jet2 has warned travellers heading to the Canary Islands in October that they could face transport delays.

A local transport strike is planned to take place throughout the whole month in the Spanish archipelago. According to local reports, the strikes are expected to have a significant impact on tourist services in many popular areas such as Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.

The strikes are set to start from today (October 2) and will continue on a further 12 dates across the rest of the month. Anyone flying with jet2 are also urged to contact their local tour operator or transport company if they strikes affect them in any way while on holiday.

Read more: 'Jet2 put my life in danger - I'm never going to fly with them again'

Read more: Jet2 issues travel warning to anyone flying to Spanish hotspot over next five months

An update titled 'transportation strike affecting the Canary Islands' on Jet2 website reads: "We wanted to let you know that a Local Transport Strike is taking place on the following dates listed below. October: 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th and 28th.

"Please allow plenty of time to travel to the airport and pass through the terminal. Check-in will close 40 minutes prior to your scheduled time of departure as all our flights are due to operate as scheduled. "

The Foreign Office also issued advice to holidaymakers over the weekend . It said: "The Government of the Canary Islands has confirmed that transportation to hospitals and medical centres will be maintained, as well as transport of medicines and other urgent supplies to guarantee the life, health and security of people."

It added: "If you are on holiday in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and needing to travel or use road transport, we encourage you to contact your tour operator or transport company as soon as possible for more information to understand how this strike may impact your travel arrangements. Significant travel disruption is expected."

• Canary Islands
• Most Recent

Thousands protest over mass tourism in Spain's Canary Islands

• Canary Islands
• Saturday 20 April 2024 at 8:46pm

Thousands of protesters have taken part in demonstrations against mass tourism in Spain's Canary Islands .

The archipelago, which includes Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, is a popular destination for British tourists, but the islands are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors.

in 2023 around 14 million foreigners visited the islands in the Atlantic which have a population of just 2.2 million.

Despite decades of mass tourism, the Canary Islands remain poor compared to other regions of Spain and the average salary of workers is one of the lowest in the country.

Residents living in the holiday destination say too much tourism is damaging the environment, driving down wages and squeezing locals out of the housing market.

Some local people say they have been forced to sleep in their cars or even in caves.

A number of provinces have taken matters into their own hands and are providing guidance - and in some case strict rules - for tourists visiting over the summer, as they try and tackle overcrowding and the problems that come with it.

Tourism represents nearly 12% of Spain’s economy but there has been growing pressure from locals for governments to put measures in place to reduce the number of visitors.

Protestors in Tenerife started a hunger strike on April 12 as part of a wider campaign demanding the Canary Islands government tackle the effects of excess tourism in the region.

Hundreds of people linked arms to form a human chain to demonstrate against the building of an additional hotel and beach resort, as well as future projects aimed at attracting more tourists.

The wider movement is called Canarias Se Agota, which means 'The Canaries Have Had Enough'.

In an Instagram post the organisation said the Canary Islands are "exhausted" because of the "excessive tourism" and the "lack of attention to the basic needs of the population".

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French strike forces Ryanair to cancel more than 300 flights across Europe

Ryanair urges European Commission to protect overflights and keep EU skies open

Ryanair has demanded that the EU reform its skies after the airline was forced to cancel more than 300 flights across Europe scheduled for Thursday because of a strike by French air traffic controllers.

The cancellations come in spite of the withdrawal of strike action by one of the biggest unions, the SNCTA, which came too late to avoid disruption after France’s civil aviation authority asked airlines to cut flights.

Ryanair said 50,000 of its passengers would be affected because of France’s failure to protect overflights – where planes fly over the country without landing there – during industrial action.

It said most of the disrupted passengers would be simply flying over French airspace en route to the likes of Greece or Spain.

The airline called on the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen , to take action to protect overflights by law during air traffic control strikes, to allow Europe’s other controllers to manage flights over France during the strikes, and limit the power of unions to call strikes immediately.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said: “French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, that’s their right, but we should be cancelling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal.

“The European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has failed for five years to take any action to protect overflights and the single market for air travel. We’re again calling on her to take action to protect overflights which will eliminate over 90% of these flight cancellations.”

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Despite the French strike this week, O’Leary said he believed air travellers would see significantly less disruption over summer 2024 than during the past two years, when labour shortages and strikes limited capacity.

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Spain travel warning issued for anyone travelling to holiday hotspots in October

With industrial action set to take place this month, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain.

• 09:26, 1 OCT 2023

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Anyone travelling to certain popular parts of Spain this October has been warned that strike action may impact their plans.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain in preparation for the strike days, advising that tourists may face "significant disruption" as a result.

The transport strikes are set to begin on Monday October 2 in holiday hotspots Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura - which are all popular at this time of year for UK tourists.

Manchester Evening News reports that strikes will take place on 12 dates in total across the month of October.

In an update to its Spain travel advice web page, the Foreign Office said: "Road transport strikes are due to be held across Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura throughout October. They are due to commence at 00:00 on the 2 October and will run on 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28 October, ending at 24:00.

"The Government of the Canary Islands has confirmed that transportation to hospitals and medical centres will be maintained, as well as transport of medicines and other urgent supplies to guarantee the life, health and security of people."

Issuing advice to holidaymakers, the government added: "If you are on holiday in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and needing to travel or use road transport, we encourage you to contact your tour operator or transport company as soon as possible for more information to understand how this strike may impact your travel arrangements. Significant travel disruption is expected."

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It comes after airline Jet2 warned holidaymakers of another strike set to take place elsewhere in Spain.

Ground handlers in Spain announced a series of strikes set to affect Alicante airport in October, and families set to travel there may be affected by the disruption.

The airline added that people should allow plenty of time for passing through the airport, and that all flights are due to operate at the scheduled departure time.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Child seriously hurt as number of dead rises after airstrike in Odesa seaside park

The Ukrainian authorities say the number of victims from a Russian airstrike in Odesa has risen, with many more injured. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:19, UK

• Number of victims from Odesa attack rises to five, with child badly hurt
• Watch: Massive building in flames after attack
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Live events elsewhere mean we are leaving our coverage of the Ukraine war there for the day. 

The main development this morning was the rise in the number of people killed in a Russian strike on Odesa yesterday to five.

Read more details in our posts below - and we'll be back with rolling updates and analysis of the war soon.

At least two people have been killed in another Russian strike, this time targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv, local officials say.

Six more have been wounded in the attack, which Governor Oleh Synehubov says was carried out using guided bombs, according to preliminary information.

The attack damaged a residential building in one of the city districts, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. 

Emergency services are on the scene, local officials say.

Yesterday, a woman was reportedly injured after a "series of explosions" hit the city, according to the mayor.

Russia denies targeting civilians in the war that is now in its third year.

As we reported yesterday, a Russian missile attack targeted an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Black Sea port of Odesa.

The number of victims from that airstrike has risen, with five people now reported to have died. 

Local officials had initially said four were killed.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said in addition to those killed in the attack, one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

Another 32 are said to be injured, eight of whom seriously - including a four-year-old child.

A pregnant woman and another child are also among the injured.

"Monsters, beasts, savages, scum, I don't know what else to say," Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

"People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing."

Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood. 

One photo showed officials examining part of a missile.

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the strike was conducted by an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead.

Odesa has been a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks, particular port infrastructure.

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

Yesterday a Russian attack on the port city of Odesa killed at least four people, while dramatic footage showed a massive education facility ablaze in the aftermath. 

Here are the other key events to get you up to speed on from the past 24 hours:

• More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official said;
• The Duchess of Edinburgh met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin;
• Debris recovered from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv on 2 January was North Korean, according to the United Nations;
• NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg visited Kyiv for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
• In a joint news conference, Mr Stoltenberg said NATO allies had "not delivered" on their military aid pledges to Ukraine in recent months, saying that "serious delays" had led to negative consequences on the battlefield;
• Mr Zelenskyy also called for the delivery of Western weapons to Kyiv's troops to be sped up;
• Russia's defence ministry claimed its forces have taken control of the village of Semenivka in the eastern Donetsk region;
• European Council president Charles Michel said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has given "new impetus" to calls for the EU to be enlarged beyond the 27 members;
• Germany's public prosecutor's office said it was assessing whether a political motive was behind the killing of two Ukrainian soldiers in Murnau.

As we reported a short time ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Sophie met the Ukrainian president and first lady Olena Zelenska and delivered a message to them on behalf of the King, Buckingham Palace said.

You can watch footage from her trip here...

Throughout the day, we've been reporting on a Russian attack on the city of Odesa in Ukraine, which has killed at least four people. 

These images show a burning educational institution building, which was struck. 

Airline Finnair has said it is pausing flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia for the next month, due to GPS disturbances in the area.

"Finnair will suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from 29 April to 31 May, so that an alternative approach solution that does not require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport," the Finnish airline said in a statement.

Finnair last week had to divert two flights back to Helsinki after GPS interference prevented the approach to Tartu airport, although a spokesperson said the company did not now where the interference came from.

However, Tallinn seems certain as where the issues are originating. 

"It is a fact that Russia affects GPS devices in our region’s airspace," Estonia's foreign minister said via a spokesperson.

Margus Tsahkna added that Estonia will raise the issue of GPS interference with its neighbours, and intends to discuss it with the EU and NATO. 

GPS jamming and spoofing have grown worse in eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, all areas close to conflict zones, according to industry group OpsGroup. 

More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official has said.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service,  told Ukrinform that some men are prepared to pay "large sums" of money to groups promising to smuggle them across the border safely.

"Then they are faced with the fact that the route runs along a mountain river," he said.

Many conscripts have lost their lives after realising they didn't have the strength to swim the river, Mr Demchenko added.

"In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, about 30 people have died trying to cross the border illegally," he said.

Such attempts occur "every day", he said.

For context: Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

It lets draft officers call up men of a certain age to fight on the front line.

In April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed off a new law lowering the age of draft-eligible men from 27 to 25, in a bid to boost troop numbers in his depleted ranks.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Her visit is aimed at demonstrating "solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence", the palace said.

Three women and a man have died after a Russian attack on Odesa.

A further 28 people have been injured, including two children aged five and 16. A pregnant woman has also been hurt.

This video shows the aftermath of the attack. 

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