Before planning your trip to Europe, read about these travel strikes

Before planning your trip to Europe, read about these travel strikes. Credit: Canva

A wave of travel disruptions is expected to sweep across Europe in September as workers in several sectors plan strikes in the United Kingdom, Italyand the NetherlandsThese actions are driven by a combination of factors, including rising inflation, wage demands and dissatisfaction with working conditions.

United Kingdom: Border staff strike

Hundreds of Border Force staff at London’s Heathrow Airport were on strike from August 31 to September 3 in a dispute over working hours. The disruption could continue throughout the month as workers have also announced plans to refuse overtime between September 4 and 22.

Workers say the inflexible schedules are causing them stress and mental health problems. The move is likely to cause significant delays and disruption for passengers passing through the airport during this period.

Italy: Airline and airport staff strike

Passengers flying to, from or within Italy on 7 September may experience delays or cancellations due to planned strikes by airline staff and air traffic controllers. Pilots and cabin crew at ITA Airways and Wizz Air are scheduled to strike from 13:00 to 17:00, while air traffic controllers at Rome Fiumicino and Olbia airports and baggage handlers at Milan Malpensa, Florence Amerigo Vespucci and Pisa Galileo Galilei will also take part in the strike.

For the latest updates on potential disruptions, passengers can visit the Italian Civil Aviation Authority website closer to 7 September. In addition to the aviation strikes, Italy’s rail network will also be affected on 8 September due to a 24-hour strike by train drivers, conductors and other onboard staff. Both regional and long-distance services operated by Trenitalia and Italo may be affected.

Public transport passengers in Italy can expect delays or cancellations on September 9 as bus, tram and commuter train operators plan an eight-hour strike. The timing and impact of this strike will vary by city. Another public transport strike, lasting 24 hours, is scheduled for September 20.

Netherlands: Strikes in public transport

A public transport strike has been announced for 11 September in the largest cities in the Netherlands, one day earlier than originally planned. More strikes are possible in the future. This measure is being taken in anticipation of the Cabinet’s budget proposal, which workers hope will include early retirement schemes for those who do physically demanding jobs.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and travel operators for the latest updates on flight cancellations and delays. They are also advised to consider alternative travel plans or postpone non-essential travel during strike periods.