Europe's summer travel chaos: Strikes at airports and transport hubs

Unrest among public transport and aviation workers shows no sign of abating. Frustrated by worsening conditions, employees are organizing protest actions to express their dissatisfaction with low wages and poor working conditions. Unfortunately, these strikes impact passengers who are forced to wait in long queues while setting off on their dream holidays and face delays.

Union workers at Italian airports are striking on 5 July. The protest is taking place at airports in Bologna, Crotone, Lamezia Terme, Milan, Reggio Calabria, Rome, and Venice. Strikes occur at various times throughout the day, making flight disruptions likely.

Pilots of the Irish national carrier Aer Lingus began striking in June. The action continues until 7 July and involves the cancellation of certain flights. It is necessary to monitor the situation continuously.

The staff at London Gatwick Airport are also striking over a pay dispute. About 300 security and passenger service staff will strike from 12 to 14 July and 18 to 21 July. This is expected to cause security checks and baggage handling delays and may affect passengers needing special assistance.

Similarly, union members at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action. Although the dates have not yet been announced, disruptions can be expected imminently.

Members of the CGT-RATP union announced a seven-month strike at the beginning of the year. This strike, with intervals, is expected to last until 9 September and may affect the bus and metro network in the Île-de-France region around July and August, potentially impacting the situation during this year's Olympic Games.

On 9 April, the French Senate passed a law preventing the planning of transport strikes during specific periods each year (including during the Olympics) and requiring earlier warnings about strikes. However, given France's recent agitation, it remains to be seen whether the law, which has yet to be passed by the French National Assembly, will deter dissatisfied transport workers. It isn't easy to predict.

In addition, public transport workers in the largest cities of the Netherlands have announced a strike planned for 12 September. Movement in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam will be complex during this time.

Air traffic controllers in Antalya, Turkey, are also striking, much to the dismay of the many Polish tourists who visit the country during the holidays. The protest action is estimated to affect every other arrival and departure at this airport, and it is expected to last until 14 July.