By Yunia Pratiwi
Copyright tempo
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Airport staff in several European countries are going on strikes, resulting in flight delays and cancellations, affecting travelers. The workers have been facing stressful work pressure and rising living costs, made worse with poor working conditions. Here is a list of airports facing workers’ strikes across Europe, as reported by Time Out.1. ItalyAfter strikes were banned during the summer holiday season between late July and early September, Italian workers announced plans to strike at Linate and Malpensa airports in Milan. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, airport handling staff went on a 24-hour strike. Then, on September 26, 2025, baggage handling staff, ground staff, and Volotea airline crew members would stop working for 24 hours at airports across Italy.2. PortugalWorkers, including baggage handlers, check-in personnel, and airport service workers who are members of the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA), are in disagreement with employer Menzies Aviation. They demand a salary raise, compensation for night shifts, and adherence to previously agreed-upon employment agreements. They spent much of August 2025 on strike as a form of protest. Since a resolution has not been reached, SIMA workers will continue to strike periodically until the end of 2025, or at least until the conflict is resolved.Starting on September 12-15, 2025, followed by further actions on September 19-22, 2025, and 26-28, 2025. In October, workers will strike on the following dates: October 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31-3 November 2025.In November, strikes will take place on 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 November, 28-1 December 2025. Subsequent strikes are planned for 5-8 December, 12-15, 19-January 2, 2026. Air travel at major airports such as Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Azores will be affected by these strikes.3. FranceFrench air traffic controllers plan to strike in September after negotiations on wages between their union, SNCTA, and their employer, the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), failed. The strike is scheduled to take place from September 18-19, 2025, and is expected to disrupt many flights. This includes flights that may not even land or take off from France. All flights passing through French airspace may experience delays.Citing Travel and Leisure Asia, the French Civil Aviation Authority will release a statement regarding the strike and how airlines will manage travel. Passengers are advised to monitor flight schedules and consult with the airlines before heading to the airport.4. SpainAirports across Spain will be affected by strikes over labor rights by Azul Handling baggage staff. The company is part of the Ryanair Group and handles baggage for most flight operators. The affected strike hours are from 05:00 a.m. to 09:00 a.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of 2025.According to Which?, the affected airports are: Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, South Tenerife, and Valencia.In addition to the ongoing baggage handling strike in Spain, security staff at Madrid-Barajas Airport also announced an indefinite strike over the weekends. The strike began on Sunday, September 14, 2025, when employees working for Trablisa, a security company, went on strike due to wage disputes.Editor’s Choice: List of 36 International Airports in Indonesia, from Aceh to PapuaClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
