Tourists planning Christmas and New Year trips to Spain, Portugal, Italy, as well as those departing from London, are being warned to prepare for possible delays and disruption. Throughout December, multiple strikes by airline and airport workers have been announced across the region, affecting some of Europe’s busiest travel corridors during the peak holiday season.

Spain: prolonged Ryanair-related strike

The most significant disruption is currently being reported in Spain, where a long-running strike by staff from Azul Handling, a ground-handling company serving the Ryanair Group, continues to affect airport operations.

The strike began in August and is scheduled to run through to the end of December. Workers regularly stop work several times a day, leading to baggage handling problems, aircraft turnaround delays, and knock-on effects across flight schedules.

The industrial action affects five airports in the Canary Islands, as well as several airports on mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. Ryanair has stated that it does not plan to cancel flights as a result of the strike, but has acknowledged that delays remain likely.

United Kingdom: strikes at London Luton Airport

Disruption is also expected for passengers flying from the UK, particularly those using London Luton Airport. Ground handling staff employed by DHL have announced a multi-day strike that is expected to affect airport operations.

The strike periods are scheduled for:

19–22 December

26–29 December

More than 400 flights are expected to be impacted, potentially affecting both departures and arrivals during some of the busiest travel days of the year.

Portugal and Italy: further industrial action expected

In Portugal and Italy, strikes within the aviation sector have also been announced for December, although specific dates and operational details have not yet been fully confirmed. Authorities and airlines are warning passengers to stay alert for last-minute updates as plans may evolve closer to the holiday period.