Summertime is prime time for travel. While we hope that most of your trip will go without incident, there are a few strikes to be aware of across Europe that have a specific impact on the travel industry.
If you are traveling during these times and require more guidance, please see our article on insurance and strike coverage. Additionally, learn about any compensation to which you may be entitled in the event that your flight is delayed or otherwise impacted.
When making reservations, be aware of the strikes in Europe listed below.
British rail strikes
When: May 31 and June 2-3
Three days of nationwide walkouts by train drivers from two different unions will take place in the United Kingdom.
The first strike will start on May 31 and last for 24 hours. Members of the Union Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen also intend to strike on June 3rd.
In addition, on Friday, June 2, some 20,000 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers intend to strike.
Both station employees and the crew on board will strike. Train service will still be available despite certain services being interrupted.
Where to expect disruption is as follows:
Heathrow Express
• May 31: One train will run every hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• June 3: No service.
Stansted Express
• May 31: From 4:40 a.m. until 12:30 a.m., trains will run every 40 minutes.
• June 1: Numerous services won't be available.
• June 2: Two trains will run every hour from 7:11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• June 3: From 4:40 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., services will be provided every 30 minutes.
Gatwick Express
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 2: Southern or Thameslink trains ought to be accessible.
Avanti West Coast
• May 31 and June 3: No services will be provided.
• June 2: Trains will operate with fewer hours.
• June 1 and June 4: Expect timetable changes.
Chiltern Railways
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 1: Expect timetable changes.
• June 2: Expect extremely limited service.
CrossCountry
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 2: Expect reduced service.
East Midlands Railway
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 1: Expect last-minute cancellations.
• June 2: Reduced service from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Great Northern
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 1: Expect service to be affected.
• June 2: Limited service and shorter hours.
• June 4: Expect timetable changes, particularly affecting early service.
Great Western Railway
• May 31 and June 2-3: Limited service.
• June 1 and 4: Schedule adjustments for late and early service.
Greater Anglia
• May 31: Reduced service.
• June 1: Expect cancellations.
• June 2: Trains will only run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• June 3: Reduced service on most routes and no service between Cambridge and Liverpool Street.
LNER
• May 31 and June 2-3: Reduced service.
• June 1: Expect cancellations.
Northern
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 2: Limited service and no replacement bus service.
South Western Railway
• May 31 and June 3: Reduced service.
• June 1: Expect cancellations.
• June 2: Reduced service.
Southeastern
• May 31 and June 3: No train or replacement bus service.
• June 2: Most stations closed with no replacement bus service.
Thameslink
• May 31 and June 3: No service.
• June 1: Expect some services to be affected.
• June 2: Limited availability and shortened hours.
• June 4: Limited service.
Strikes at Heathrow Airport
When: To be determined
Security officers working for the Unite Union at Terminal 3 of London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) have chosen to strike over pay issues. The union has not yet scheduled a strike date. Workers in Terminal 5 are rumored to join the strike. Expect significant inconvenience if the terminal workers go on strike.
On strike days, Heathrow's website advises travelers that while the airport will remain operational, "the strikes may affect the journeys of some passengers planning to travel during this period."
For the most recent information, it advises verifying your flight status with your airline. It also states that during strike days, passengers will only be permitted to check two pieces of carry-on luggage through security. Handbags and laptop bags are considered a single item of hand luggage. Your airline's stated check-in baggage allowance is still in effect.
Transport strikes in Italy
When: June 4
A 24-hour ground-handling strike at airports is scheduled to start on June 4 and cause travel delays in Italy. Italian legislation protects flights leaving between the hours of 7 and 10 a.m. and 6 and 9 p.m. from the action.
Pilot strike in Spain
When: June 1 and 2
The Spanish Airline Pilots Union has scheduled strikes for Air Europa pilots to take place in the first few days of June. Later this summer, some pilots employed by Ryanair and EasyJet may experience strikes.
France air traffic control strikes
When: Right now to at least June 1
Air traffic control strikes have the potential to have a greater impact on travelers than any other type of strike since they have an impact on both flights flying through and out of the country where they occur.
A strike by French air traffic controllers might affect approximately 65% of EasyJet flights that cross French airspace to get to their destination.
Tens of thousands of passengers were affected when French American Tower Corporation employees went on strike from March 6 to 9, resulting in 30% of flights being canceled nationwide.
Although the summer's dates have not yet been announced, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned in January that if the disagreement over compensation and recruiting levels continues into the summer, the French ATC strikes run the potential of "shutting everybody down."
He made these remarks as Eurocontrol, the organization in charge of managing air traffic in Europe, issued a warning about the summer's potential "huge challenges" for the commercial aviation network, citing "a backdrop of supply chain issues, possible industrial action, airspace unavailability, sector bottlenecks, rising demand, and system changes."
The year 2023 "is poised to be the most difficult of the last ten years," it was stated. It will be extremely difficult to minimize summer delays.
In conclusion
When it comes to strikes, it's important to keep in mind that nothing is certain. Businesses and unions may agree.
However, the economic downturn is making life tough for everyone, from employees suffering from the rising cost of living to travel businesses scrambling to satisfy shareholders in the event of a devastating epidemic. There are strains on both sides of the aisle, and they don't appear likely to go away anytime soon as we prepare for an even busier year than last.
In the travel industry, there is a significant likelihood of additional strikes this year, which might cause numerous cancellations and protracted delays.
Pay attention to these dates and make your plans accordingly.
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