Flying To Europe In July? Here's How To Navigate Disruptions Caused By Scheduled Strikes

Are you thinking of heading to Europe for a vacation? Keep in mind that there might be many travel disruptions in July. Coordinated strikes by airline and train workers across several countries could lead to significant problems. Potential airport walkouts in Italy, transport strikes in the UK and Scotland, and ongoing disruptions in Turkey and France could all affect your travel plans. It's crucial to stay informed and plan accordingly. Understanding the scope of these strikes will help you better deal with any potential issues. Here's a guide to help you prepare for any travel hiccups.

The Reason For The Strikes

First off, you need to understand the reason for the strikes. You cannot just be in your tourist bubble and walk through the countries, ignoring the causes driving people to take a stand. The economic pressures faced by workers in the airline and railway industries are driving the travel strikes in Europe. Workers are demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and more job security. The rising cost of living and inflation have exacerbated these demands, leading to more frequent and prolonged actions.

Additionally, the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry must be considered. Despite the surge in travel demand, workers are saying that companies still need to fully reverse cost-cutting measures, such as layoffs and reduced salaries. Workers are pushing back against these measures and seeking to regain their pre-pandemic terms.

What's Happening And Where

Several strikes taking place or planned across Europe could disrupt your travels. In Italy, potential disruptions are expected at airports. Airport staff throughout Italy went on strike at the beginning of July, and further disruptions are anticipated at Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports around July 21.

The UK is experiencing strikes by British Airways staff and Network Rail employees. These strikes are causing significant delays at airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick and impacting train services nationwide. In Glasgow and Aberdeen, airport union members have voted for strike action. While dates have not been confirmed, security processing at these airports could be affected.

The air traffic controllers at Antalya airport in Turkey are currently on strike due to issues related to their pay and working conditions. This ongoing strike is projected to have a significant impact, affecting about 50 per cent of both arrivals and departures. The strike is anticipated to last until mid-July, potentially causing disruptions to travel connections to various destinations.

Currently, Deutsche Bahn employees are on strike in Germany, causing widespread disruptions to train services due to ongoing disputes over wages and working conditions. Additionally, airports in Frankfurt and Munich are experiencing similar disruptions from strikes by ground staff and pilots.

In Spain, the strikes staged by Iberia and Renfe workers are resulting in extensive travel disturbances. The situation is particularly pronounced at airports in Madrid and Barcelona, with regional train services also being impacted.

The workers at Autoroutes du Sud (ASF) and Vinci Motorways in France have initiated strikes due to staffing issues and are calling for fair bonuses. The CGT-RATP union has issued a strike notice until September 9, which could disrupt the Ile-de-France bus and metro network and potentially impact the Olympic Games.

In The Netherlands, a major public transport strike is scheduled for September 12, impacting services in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Be prepared for potential disruptions in the Netherlands' biggest cities.

How It Will Impact You

The ongoing strikes in Europe are expected to cause various issues that may affect your travel plans. One of the immediate impacts of these strikes is the high number of flight cancellations and delays. Airlines are struggling to maintain their schedules due to staff walkouts and air traffic control strikes disrupting operations. As a result, passengers should anticipate longer wait times, rebooked flights, and potential last-minute changes to their travel plans.

Additionally, strikes by ground staff and baggage handlers are causing delays in processing baggage. This could lead to longer wait times for luggage and an increased likelihood of lost or misplaced bags. Packing essential items in your hand luggage and tracking your checked baggage through airline apps is advisable. In-flight services may also be affected, as reduced staff numbers could lead to fewer cabin crew members available to serve passengers. This might result in limited food and beverage options and slower service during the flight.

Train strikes are also causing service interruptions on many popular routes. Passengers should expect reduced train frequency, altered timetables, and last-minute cancellations. It is recommended to check your train's status before travelling and be prepared for potential changes.

How To Be Prepared

Staying informed about the latest developments regarding strikes in Europe is crucial in preparing for travel disruptions. It is advisable to follow news updates, check airline and railway websites, and use travel apps to monitor the status of your journey. Signing up for notifications from your travel providers can also help you stay ahead of any changes. Try to keep your travel plans flexible. This could involve booking refundable tickets, allowing extra time for your journey, or being prepared to alter your itinerary at short notice. Flexibility can help you adapt to changes and minimize the impact of disruptions.