European Airports and Trains Face Summer Strikes –Know the Schedule

If you’re jet-setting or planning a trip to Europe this summer, like everyone else online, you might want to stick around and know the strike schedule happening across airports and train stations over the next couple of months – and be sure to pack your patience!

UK airport strikes

Unite union members, who are security officers at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) terminals 3 and 5, will go on strike due to pay disputes. These strikes are expected to occur on multiple weekends throughout the summer. Expect serious delays and disruptions on the following dates: June 24-25 and 28-30, July 14-16, 21-24, and 28-31, and August 4-7, 11-14, 18-20, and 24-27.

UK rail strikes

Currently, there are no scheduled rail strikes, but Britain’s rail workers’ trade union, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, is re-balloting its members for potential further action. The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers plans to continue striking for another six months. Dates for these strikes will be announced in the coming weeks or months, likely before summer ends. Commuters will receive at least 14 days’ notice before any planned walkouts.

France air traffic control strikes

Potential strikes by French air traffic controllers during the summer could have a significant impact on air travel, especially for airlines like EasyJet that heavily rely on French airspace. Previous walkouts have resulted in a 30% flight cancellation rate across the country, affecting tens of thousands of passengers with delays and disruptions. Specific strike dates are yet to be determined, but it’s good to keep in mind that domestic short-haul flights are banned, so keep that in mind as well when planning.