Travelers across Europe are facing major disruptions as dozens of flights are canceled and delayed at key airports like Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle, and Schiphol. The chaos, driven by strikes, staff shortages, and bad weather, is expected to continue through August and possibly into September 2025.
Airports in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and other major cities are struggling to keep up with high summer demand. Strikes by airport workers and airline staff in Italy, Portugal, and Spain have added to the problems, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to change their plans at the last minute.
Strikes Hit Southern Europe
In late July, Italy saw a nationwide strike by airport workers, including baggage handlers and ground staff. The strike, which took place on July 26 from 1pm to 5pm, affected all major airports such as Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Venice. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, and ITA Airways had to cancel or delay flights. Workers are demanding better safety, improved working conditions, and new contracts.
Italian law requires a minimum level of service during strikes, so flights between 7–10am and 6–9pm are usually protected from cancellation. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) publishes a list of guaranteed flights, and flights to islands like Sardinia and Sicily are often not affected by strikes. Travelers can check the latest updates and guaranteed flights on the ENAC website.
Portugal has also seen strikes by ground handling staff at all major airports, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. The strikes started in late July and are planned for four more weekends in August. Workers are protesting low pay, unpaid night work, and broken promises on pay increases. In the Azores, SATA Air Açores cabin crew held a separate strike in July, affecting inter-island flights.
Spain is not immune, with ongoing strikes by Volotea airline crew and other airport workers. Volotea serves over 100 cities across Europe, so the impact is widespread, especially on flights within the continent.
Operational Disruptions at Major Hubs
The problems are not limited to strikes. On June 19, more than 300 flights were canceled or delayed in a single day at Heathrow, Schiphol, and Charles de Gaulle. Staff shortages, gate assignment delays, and ground handling problems made things worse. Airlines like British Airways, KLM, Air France, Emirates, and United all reported issues.
- Heathrow: 8 cancellations, 54 delays
- Schiphol: 20 cancellations, over 100 delays (KLM hardest hit)
- Charles de Gaulle: Up to 14 cancellations, nearly 200 delays (Air France most affected)
- Barcelona El Prat: 4 cancellations, 82 delays
On some days, more than 900 flights across Europe and the Middle East have been canceled or delayed, with ripple effects reaching Asia and North America.
Why Is This Happening?
Several factors are causing the chaos:
- Staff Shortages: Many airports and airlines have not hired or trained enough new staff since the pandemic. High summer demand has made the problem worse.
- Operational Overload: Tight schedules, crowded terminals, and technical problems have led to delays.
- Weather and Geopolitical Tensions: Bad weather and airspace disruptions, especially due to tensions in the Middle East, have caused more delays.
- Industrial Action: Strikes over pay, working conditions, and contract renewals are common, especially in Portugal and Italy.
What Travelers Need to Know
If you are traveling through Europe this summer, expect major disruptions, especially on strike days and weekends. The main airlines affected include Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Emirates, United, and American Airlines. The most affected airports are Heathrow, Schiphol, Charles de Gaulle, Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Lisbon, Porto, and Barcelona El Prat.
Advice for Passengers:
- Monitor your flight status using airline apps and official airport websites.
- Arrive early and try to avoid peak hours if possible.
- Check for alternative routes and be ready for last-minute changes.
- Know your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004, which covers compensation and help for delays and cancellations.
- For Italy, check ENAC’s list of guaranteed flights.
- For Portugal, visit ANA Aeroportos for updates.
- For Heathrow, use the official airport website.
- For Schiphol, check their official site.
- For Charles de Gaulle, visit Paris Aéroports.
Policy and Stakeholder Responses
Unions are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. In Portugal, unions want the government and airport companies to honor agreements on pay increases and back pay. Airlines are asking for government help to solve labor disputes and improve staffing. Some airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refunds to help affected passengers.
Airport authorities are telling travelers to check their flight status and arrive early. They are working to reduce disruptions but warn that problems will likely continue. Governments in Italy and Portugal are talking with unions, but no major new policies have been announced as of August 4, 2025.
What’s Next?
Four more strike weekends are planned in Portugal in August. If union demands are not met, more strikes and disruptions could happen, especially as summer travel peaks. Long-term problems like staff shortages and crowded airports remain, so delays may continue into autumn.
Expert Views and Industry Advice
Aviation experts warn that Europe’s air travel system is still weak and can be easily disrupted by strikes or staff shortages. The travel industry advises passengers to stay flexible, buy travel insurance, and keep up with official updates. Unions say strikes are a last resort after failed talks and stress the need for real improvements in pay and working conditions.
Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Flight Is Affected
- Check your flight status using airline and airport apps or websites.
- Contact your airline for rebooking, refunds, or compensation. Use digital channels to avoid long phone waits.
- Know your rights under EU law. You may get compensation, meals, a hotel stay, or a new flight.
- Monitor official sources for updates (ENAC for Italy, ANA Aeroportos for Portugal, Paris Aéroports for France, Heathrow’s site for the UK).
- Arrive early for check-in and security, especially on strike days.
- Consider alternatives like rebooking to non-strike days or using different airports or routes.
Official Resources
- ENAC (Italy)
- ANA Aeroportos (Portugal)
- Heathrow Airport
- Schiphol Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle
- EU Passenger Rights
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing travel disruptions in Europe have left many travelers frustrated and uncertain. Staying informed, flexible, and prepared is the best way to handle the current situation and any future changes.
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