Europe's Travel Strikes: Flight And Train Disruption You Can Expect In October

When, where and what disruption you can expect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.

Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel.

Luckily, we have gathered all of the strike information together below.

Read on to find out where and when are walkouts taking place.

If your flight or train is cancelled or delayed, you will be entitled to a new ticket or compensation. Read our guide for the full details.

France: Flights cancelled from Paris and Marseille

France’s civil aviation authority has told airlines to cancel flights at airports in Paris and Marseille on Friday 13 October, as part of a broader union push for wage increases.

Around 40 per cent of flights in and out of Paris Orly will be cancelled, 25 per cent in and out of Marseille-Provence airport and 15 per cent in and out of Paris Beauvais.

Airlines tend to protect long-haul flights in these situations, so short-haul journeys are more likely to take the hit. But anyone with a trip booked between 12 October evening and 14 October morning is advised to check with their airline.

Cancellations are also likely on the railways and Metro on Friday, as the relevant unions have voiced their support for the strike. 

A full strike timetable is expected from SNCF and Paris public transport network by Thursday afternoon to help people plan.

Plus Paris transport strikes threatened over Rugby World Cup

Paris Metro workers have threatened strike action during the Rugby World Cup, which runs until 28 October at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

While train drivers will receive a bonus in recognition of the additional services they must run during the event, station staff have not been offered additional pay.

Members of trade union FO-RATP, which represents public transport workers in Paris, have threatened to walk out over the issue. Negotiations are currently ongoing.

England: Baggage staff announce Heathrow strike

Baggage carousel workers at London's Heathrow Airport have announced that they will strike over 13 separate days in October.

The Heathrow strike dates will be from 6-9 October and 20-30 October. The second round of walkouts will impact the busy autumn half-term travel period.

Staff will walk out between 5:30 pm on 6 October and 6 am on 9 October, and 5:30 am on 20 October and 6 am on 30 October.

Members of the Unite union employed by Vanderlande Industries are walking out over below-inflation pay offers.

Spain: Security staff announce airport strike in Alicante

Private security staff at Alicante-Elche airport have announced strikes later this month over working conditions and pay.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ilunion Seguridad employees will strike on 6-15, 17, 20-22, 24, 27-29 and 31 October1-5, 7, 10-12, 14, 17-19, 21, 24-26 and 28 November1-10, 12, 15-17, 19 and 22-31 December; and 1-14 January.

If you know of a big strike happening in your country that we have missed, we'd love to hear from you via Twitter.

RECENT NEWS

Moldova, Greece And Ireland: Where Tourist Arrivals Are On The Rise In Europe This Year

In the first half of 2026, Europe as a whole saw a 3% increase in tourists – but arrivals were down in Western Europe,... Read more

From F1 To FIBA: Qatar Unveils Packed Calendar Of Global Events

More than 560 events are planned through 2027, with major sports, concerts and festivals on the programme as Qatar looks... Read more

Athens, Glasgow And Rome: Heres Where To Find The Coolest Neighbourhoods In Europe

The hottest area in Athens – Neos Kosmos – claimed first in Europe and third place in the overall ranking. Read more

Istanbul Airport Overtakes London Heathrow As Worlds Most Connected Hub

Of the top 50 most connected airports in the world, 12 are located in Europe. Read more

These Are The Best Food And Drink Tours To Travel For In 2026, According To Tripadvisor

Topping the review-led ranking is a food walk in Reykjavik where travellers get to try everything from Icelandic hot dog... Read more

Which European Cities Have The Most Expensive Public Transport?

A new Greenpeace study has found that fares have risen in 14 European capitals since 2023, with some cities seeing price... Read more