Air Travel Disruptions in Europe: Strikes and Their Impact

Flight delays, cancellations, and widespread industrial action profoundly impacted European air travel last summer. What should you expect this year?

While disruptions may not be as severe as last summer’s chaos, it is prudent to prepare for pockets of inconvenience during peak travel periods.

Pandemic-related staffing issues largely contributed to the challenges faced by the aviation sector in 2022. However, this year’s primary cause of aggravation will likely be strikes. Across Europe, thousands of airport and airline staff and workers from various industries are staging walkouts to advocate for improved conditions and better wages amid the region’s highest inflation in decades.

Cancellations and delays are already accumulating, particularly in France, where air traffic controllers participated in a nationwide strike protesting against government pension reforms. Operations at Germany’s busiest airports have also been unsettled by ground staff walkouts tied to ongoing pay disputes. Major disruptions are anticipated at the UK’s busiest airport during the busy Easter period, with Heathrow security staff planning a substantial strike from March 31.

Moreover, despite ongoing labor tensions, some airports remain confident that last year’s scenes of extensive security queues and lost baggage will not be repeated.

Amsterdam Schiphol, which faced unprecedented chaos last summer, is now capping customer numbers to prevent an overload in bookings that overwhelmed airport operations previously.

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport, where passengers were forced to queue outside last summer, is witnessing improved security and check-in wait times as the airport boosts recruitment to fill vacancies. Since mid-last summer, the time required for passengers to pass through security screening at Dublin Airport has significantly improved, with over 95% getting through in less than 20 minutes, even during peak periods such as Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day.

The United Kingdom

Heathrow security staff, represented by the union Unite, are set to stage a 10-day walkout starting March 31 until April 9. This strike will directly impact operations at Terminal 5, one of the airport’s busiest terminals. Unite claims the workers are struggling to make ends meet due to low wages paid by Heathrow and have so far rejected a 10% pay raise offer during negotiations.

“They are being forced to take strike action due to necessity, not desire,” stated Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham, underlining the disparity between workers’ wages and the significant salaries of executives at the airport.

Consequently, Heathrow is advising airlines to halt ticket sales during Easter due to anticipated extended waiting times.

France

In France, ground staff and airline crews are participating in a national strike in reaction to the government’s increase of the retirement age from 62 to 64 without parliamentary consent, alongside reduced pension benefits. This recent wave of strikes marks the ninth day of widespread industrial action, with many public sector workers joining protests across the nation.

The protests have primarily been peaceful; however, there are reports of police employing heavy-handed tactics. In Paris, only two out of 14 metro lines operated normally, and air travel came to a near halt, with significant disruptions evidenced by a third of flights canceled at Paris Orly Airport.

Spain

A series of 24-hour strikes are occurring at various Spanish airports due to action initiated by unionized workers at the ground services and cargo handling company Swissport. These walkouts are scheduled every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between now and April 13.

A spokesperson for Swissport confirmed, “A comprehensive contingency plan is being implemented to minimize disruptions for our airline customers and passengers at Spanish airports.”

Germany

On March 27, German unions are calling for a one-day strike across the nation’s transport network, including security and ground staff at airports, sparing only Berlin. Frankfurt Airport has advised passengers to avoid traveling to the airport on that day due to expected severe disruptions.

This wave of strikes follows ongoing actions across Germany this year as public sector workers seek improved working conditions and salary increases.

Conclusion

Airlines and airport authorities often provide alternative travel options during strikes, such as rebooking or issuing refunds. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with your airline’s procedures and stay updated on potential travel disruptions. Additionally, considering travel insurance that covers trip interruptions can offer peace of mind while traveling in the current climate.