Families travelling by air or rail over the coming weeks face possible disruption due to industrial action across Europe. Storm Boelo has already caused delays and flight cancellations, and several strikes could now affect holiday plans.
France rail strike on November 5
France will hold a national rail strike on November 5, called by the country's four main rail unions: CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots. The 24-hour strike will affect the TGV, Intercités, TER, and Île-de-France Transilien/RER networks, with cancellations and major delays expected.
According to The Local France, workers are "raising concerns over the draft of the 2027 budget, wages, jobs, working conditions and the future of public services."
Italian airport and rail walkouts
Ground-handling staff at Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport and Florence Peretola Airport will hold a confirmed 24-hour walkout on October 30. Organised by the USB Lavoro Privato union, the strike will affect ground-handling, check-in, boarding, and baggage staff from Toscana Aeroporti, GH Toscana, and Consulta.
Italian aviation strike rules usually guarantee essential flights during the morning (7am to 10am) and evening (6pm to 9pm) periods. Travellers through Pisa or Florence that day could face delays to check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and other ground services, potentially leading to longer waits and baggage issues. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before going to the airport.
Regional Trenitalia customer operations staff in Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Rimini, Reggio Emilia) will also hold a 24-hour strike on 28–29 October.
Spanish rail strikes
On October 29, a Renfe Rail Strike in Spain will affect travel, as SEMAF union staff stage a 24-hour national walkout. The Spanish government requires minimum service levels, so 73% of high-speed and long-distance trains and 65% of medium-distance trains will still run.
Ouigo train drivers have also confirmed 24-hour strikes on 30 October and 2 November, with partial morning and evening stoppages on November 6 and 9.
Portugal cabin crew strike
From December 19 to 23, easyJet Portugal cabin crew will strike. The SNPVAC union has called a multi-day strike for all easyJet cabin crew based in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Pilots are not involved, but flights to and from these airports could be disrupted. Minimum services are in place for essential routes to Madeira and Porto Santo, but delays or cancellations are still likely.
What to do if affected
If strikes disrupt your holiday or airline, contact your travel provider right away. Know your passenger rights under UK and EU rules, and keep receipts for any extra expenses.
Don't cancel your booking if your flight or train is delayed or uncertain. If the operator cancels, you're entitled to a full refund or free rebooking. If you cancel first, you might lose these rights.
If a rail strike blocks your route, regional coach networks like FlixBus usually keep running and often add extra seats to meet demand. Check your travel insurance "Travel Disruption" clause. Standard policies often exclude strikes if the industrial action was already publicly announced or widely reported before you bought the policy or booked your trip. Compare the strike notice date with your purchase date.
