Europe’s travel strikes: May disruptions in flight, train, and airport services

United Kingdom:

• Heathrow Airport faces the prospect of further disruption due to a “work to rule” strike by Border Force workers from May 3-18, potentially impacting essential operations.
• Gatwick Airport, however, has averted catering strikes following negotiations, ensuring smooth operations for easyJet and TUI flights.

Train Strikes:

• Train drivers’ strikes on key commuter routes in the UK from May 7-9 could affect services operated by c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern, and others.
• ASLEF union members participating in an overtime ban from May 6-11 may lead to additional cancellations.

Iceland:

• Keflavík Airport faces potential strike action from May 9-12 if labor disputes are not resolved, which could disrupt flights due to security workers’ planned stoppages and an overtime ban.

Italy:

• Trenitalia and Trenord will experience a national strike by engine staff on May 19, impacting train services across the country.
• Regional train strikes are planned in Naples (May 10), Friuli Venezia Giulia (May 17), Liguria (May 27-28), among others.

France:

• Vueling flights may be affected by a strike of French cabin crew from May 8-12, with potential continuation into the following month if demands are not met.
• A prolonged strike notice by CGT-RATP union members, potentially lasting from February 5 to September 9, could disrupt transportation during major events like the Paris Olympics. However, legislative measures are being considered to mitigate such disruptions.

While the travel landscape remains uncertain amid labor disputes, proactive measures and monitoring of updates from transportation providers will be essential for travelers navigating European routes in May.