Airport staff are expected to go on strike at several key European destinations this summer, including in France, Italy and the Netherlands. However, the expected strikes at Gatwick Airport have been (at least temporarily) postponed.
Here we round up travel strikes across the world UK It is Europe over the coming months, with advice on what to do if your plans are affected.
This page will be updated regularly to reflect the latest information, but please note that some notices are announced at short notice.
Travel disruption this summer
Paris: Airports (July 17)
Employees at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris called strikes on July 17, just 10 days before the start of the Olympics. It could cause delays in baggage handling and check-in, although the flights themselves are not expected to be affected.
Italy: Airports (July 21)
Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio is expected to be hit by a strike on July 21st. The delays will be felt most intensely between 1pm and 5pm, in a repeat of a strike carried out at the beginning of the month by unionized employees. Italian transport unions are banned from striking during the height of summer, so no further action is expected.
France: Motorways (all summer)
Those driving across France should prepare for a series of strikes on the country’s motorways over the summer. Protesting against falling employee numbers, workers on the Autoroutes du Sud (ASF) and Vinci motorways began a series of strikes. Exact dates are unclear, but those intending to drive either road should, especially on weekends, be prepared for delays.
Netherlands: Public transport (September 12)
Before the Dutch government’s budget announcement, public transport workers announced a strike in the country’s largest cities on September 12th. Amsterdam, Rotterdam It is Hague will be impacted, with possible new attacks after that date.
What to do if your travel plans are affected by a strike
Before traveling, check if there are any strikes at your destination and plan accordingly. Localized rail strikes, for example, can create problems getting around the airport upon arrival. Below we outline your rights for the main modes of transport.
Flights
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to a strike, contact your airline immediately. Airlines are required to provide assistance, such as food and drink or accommodation, in the event of extensive delays due to strikes. Your airline is also required to put you on the next available flight. Or, if the delay lasts more than five hours, you can cancel the flight and ask for a refund.
For flights canceled immediately, the right to compensation depends on whether the strike is considered something the airline can control. In this case, you will only be entitled to compensation if your airline informs you that your flight was canceled less than 14 days from the scheduled flight date. But in the case of European air traffic control strikes, this would not be seen as the airline’s responsibility.
Check whether your travel insurance covers you in the event of a strike. But be aware that once union action is announced, even without precise dates, it will not be possible to purchase coverage for strikes.
For more information on what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled, read our full guide here.
Eurostar trains and services
If you purchased an advance ticket and the train was rescheduled or canceled due to strike, you are entitled to a change or refund.
The refund process depends on each carrier, but most have a simple “late refund” system. Be sure to contact the retailer where you purchased your ticket.
As for Eurostar, if your train was canceled or was announced as being delayed before departure by more than 60 minutes, you can reschedule your journey to another date or exchange your ticket for an e-voucher, which you can use to rebook later in the year or claim a cash refund. Those whose trains are delayed after departure are entitled to a partial refund depending on the length of the delay. Find more information here.
Ferries
According to trade body Abta, if your ferry is expected to be delayed or canceled, you should receive free snacks, meals and drinks in relation to the waiting time. Drinks must be provided even if the reason for cancellation is bad weather (considered beyond the company’s control).
When your ferry operator If you cancel your service due to strike action, you must offer a choice of an alternative or a refund.
You are entitled to compensation of 25% of your ticket price, for the affected part of the journey, if your service is delayed on arrival by at least:
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one hour for a four hour journey
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two hours for a trip between four and eight hours
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three hours for a journey between eight and 24 hours
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six hours for a journey of more than 24 hours
If the delay exceeds twice the expected time, compensation must be 50 percent of the ticket price. The ferry operator must pay compensation within one month of submitting a substantiated claim for compensation. Passengers should note that compensation is not due when the delay is caused by weather conditions that endanger the safe operation of the ferry or by extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances that make navigation difficult.
This piece is kept regularly updated with the latest strike news.
