Italy, France, Scotland, Finland and Spain Hit by New Strikes in December and January Flights, Trains, Buses and Ferries Face Travel Disruption Across Europe – What You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

Travelers across Italy, France, Scotland, Finland, and Spain are bracing for a wave of transport strikes set to disrupt flights, trains, buses, and ferries across Europe throughout December and January. Backed by prominent transport unions, these strikes threaten to upend holiday travel plans for thousands of passengers. From airports to railway networks and local bus routes, essential services are expected to face significant delays and cancellations, leaving both holidaymakers and daily commuters on edge.

The disruption spans from Italy’s nationwide strikes impacting flights and metro lines to Scotland’s planned airport walkouts. Spain’s ongoing bus strikes and Finland’s airline staff protests are set to compound the chaos. In France, the holiday period could see severe train delays as workers push back against regional railway privatization. With multiple transport modes affected, travelers are urged to stay updated, check transport schedules, and consider alternative routes to avoid unexpected disruptions.

Italy: Flights Trains Buses and Ferries Face Major Disruption
Italy is bracing for widespread travel disruption this December and January as a series of strikes hit essential transport services. A 24-hour general strike on 13 December, led by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) union, will affect airline, rail, and public transport services nationwide. Delays and cancellations are also expected for ferry services to Sicily and Sardinia, as well as at motorway toll booths.

On 15 December, Italy’s airports will face another blow when TechnoSky air navigation service staff stage a 24-hour strike, joined by air traffic controllers for a shorter walkout. These strikes are supported by several of Italy’s leading transport unions.

City commuters should prepare for a four-hour public transport strike on 10 January, organized by the FAISA-CONFAIL union. This walkout could disrupt buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses, ferries, and metro lines. However, long-distance rail services and taxis are expected to operate normally.

Florence faces specific challenges on 12 January as Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) staff walk off the job, affecting train services in the metropolitan area. Further disruption is expected on 25 January when Gest tram staff plan a 24-hour strike, impacting tram services throughout Florence.

France: Strikes Set to Disrupt Flights Trains and Ports Over Christmas
From 11 December, France faces a series of strikes that could last until Christmas, with high-speed TGV, international, and regional TER services all affected. Protests from France’s four major railway unions are in response to SNCF’s privatization of regional railway routes.

Ports in France will also be impacted by dockworkers striking on 9 and 10 December. Organized by the CGT (general confederation of labour) union, the action demands better pay, improved retirement plans, and solutions to ongoing asbestos issues at several ports.

Scotland: Flight Disruption Expected at Edinburgh Airport
Travelers using Edinburgh Airport this holiday season face potential flight cancellations. A planned strike by tanker drivers will begin at 5 am on 18 December and continue until 6 January. The 19-day strike, centered on a pay dispute, is expected to disrupt domestic and international flights.

Finland: Finnair Passengers Face Major Flight Cancellations
Finnair passengers will feel the impact of strike action as 300 flights are canceled on 9 and 13 December. The Finnish Air Line Pilots Association is leading the strike, which is expected to affect around 33,000 passengers. Finnair has also warned that flights on the days before and after the strike may face delays or cancellations.

Spain: Ongoing Nationwide Bus Strikes Disrupt Local and Long-Distance Routes
Bus services across Spain continue to be disrupted as a nationwide strike, which started in late November, carries on into December. Organized by the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) union, the strike demands better working conditions for drivers and the right to retire early without financial penalties. Regions most affected include Murcia and Andalusia, with delays and cancellations impacting local and long-distance bus services.

Travel Advice
With transport strikes sweeping across Italy, France, Scotland, Finland, and Spain, passengers are urged to check travel schedules before setting out. Strikes affecting flights, trains, buses, and ferries will disrupt travel plans for thousands, especially during the busy holiday season. Stay updated with alerts from transport operators and unions to avoid unexpected delays and cancellations.