Europe is set to experience widespread transport disruptions throughout the holiday season and into January, with multiple countries facing strikes across rail, air, and public transport networks.
Workers across the continent are taking industrial action over various issues, including pay, working conditions, and concerns about privatization. These strikes will impact millions of travelers during the festive period, with planned actions in France, Portugal, Italy, and the UK.
In France, rail services will face significant disruptions during the Christmas period, with no clear end date for the industrial action that began on December 11. The strike involves four major railway unions protesting against the increasing privatization of regional railway routes by SNCF. Both high-speed TGV and international services, as well as regional TER routes, will be affected. Passengers are advised to check for updates 48 hours before travel.
Portugal’s airports are also expecting major flight delays during the festive period, with two 24-hour strikes scheduled. The industrial action, which will take place from midnight on December 24 to 25 and again from midnight on December 31 to January 1, will involve Portway ground handling staff, who are protesting against pay and allowances.
Italy is bracing for nationwide transport disruption on January 10, with a four-hour strike by the FAISA-CONFAIL union affecting buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, and metro lines in cities across the country. Long-distance rail services and taxis are expected to run as usual. Additional disruptions are anticipated in Florence, with a railway strike on January 12 and a 24-hour tram strike on January 25.
In the UK, workers from Avanti West Coast trains will strike on New Year’s Eve and January 2 in a dispute over rest day pay. The Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) action will cause delays on the West Coast Main Line. Further disruptions are expected, with strikes planned every Sunday from January 12 to May 25.
