Europe's aviation sector is preparing for significant disruptions in early October. Air traffic control and labor strikes are planned across Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. These actions, organized by unions, are expected to cause widespread flight cancellations and delays, impacting travelers across the continent. Airlines are working to offer flexible solutions, but passengers should prepare for potential delays at major European airports.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple European countries, including Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, will experience aviation strikes in early October.
- Strikes are driven by demands for better working conditions, higher wages, and disputes over working hours.
- Travelers should expect flight cancellations, delays, and potential chaos at affected airports.
- Airlines like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Air France, Ryanair, Volotea, Wizz Air Malta, and KLM have offered rebooking options.
- Passengers must monitor flight statuses and consider alternative travel plans to minimize disruption.
Upcoming Strikes Across Europe
The first ten days of October 2025 will see several air traffic controller strikes and other labor actions. These actions are aimed at addressing various issues, including pay disparities, working conditions, and the extension of working hours. Airlines, airports, and passengers are advised to prepare for potential travel challenges, both in the air and on the ground. While airlines have put measures in place to help affected passengers, continuous monitoring of flight statuses is important.
The strikes are not isolated events. They represent a coordinated effort by various unions to press for specific demands. These demands often involve core employment issues that affect many workers in the aviation sector. The impact will be widespread, affecting millions of travelers.
Strike Impact
- Greece: 24-hour general strike on October 1.
- Italy: Airline crew and ground staff strike on October 2-3.
- France: Air traffic controller strike from October 7-10.
- Netherlands: KLM ground staff strike on October 1 (8 hours).
Greece: Nationwide General Strike
Greece is scheduled for a nationwide 24-hour general strike on October 1, 2025. The civil service union ADEDY organized this strike. Its main target is a new labor law that allows for extending the daily working limit to 13 hours. Many workers in Greece view this new law as an infringement on their rights.
Air traffic controllers will join this strike. This will cause widespread disruptions at major Greek airports, including Athens International Airport. Extensive flight cancellations and delays are likely. Airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air are expected to be particularly affected.
"We are taking proactive steps to minimize the impact on our passengers, offering flexible rebooking options," an Aegean Airlines spokesperson stated regarding the upcoming strike.
Both Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air have already introduced measures to help passengers. These include ticket changes without fees and the option to receive credit vouchers for future travel. These options will remain available until judicial authorities confirm the strike's status. If courts suspend the strike, flight schedules will return to normal.
For travelers planning to fly to or from Greece on October 1, it is critical to stay updated on flight statuses. Contacting the airline for rebooking options is also essential. Passengers should also be aware that other international carriers might experience knock-on delays, especially those operating through Athens.
Background on Greek Labor Law
The new labor law in Greece has been a source of significant controversy. Unions argue it erodes worker protections and could lead to exploitation. The government, however, states it aims to modernize labor practices and boost economic flexibility. This disagreement has led to several protests and strikes over recent months.
France: Air Traffic Control Strike
France will face a major air traffic controller strike from October 7 to October 10, 2025. The union SNCTA organized this strike. It is in response to demands for increased wages, better working conditions, and the modernization of air traffic control equipment. This strike will affect both domestic and international flights.
Severe disruptions are expected at key airports. These include Paris Charles de Gaulle, Nice, and Lyon. Air France has already announced the possibility of widespread cancellations and delays. In response, Air France is offering free rebooking options for affected passengers.
Ryanair has issued a warning about potential disruptions. The airline has stated that up to 700 cancellations could occur, affecting more than 125,000 passengers across Europe. Many other European carriers are also expected to be impacted by the French strike.
Passengers traveling to or from France during this period should carefully monitor updates from their airline. Rebooking flights in advance and exploring alternative routes may be essential to avoid significant disruptions. Additionally, passengers should consider adjusting their travel dates if possible. The strike could severely affect the flow of air traffic across the continent.
Italy: Air Transport Sector Disruption
Italy's air transport sector will experience a disruption as airline crews, ground staff, and airport workers go on strike on October 2–3, 2025. This strike is a result of ongoing labor disputes. These disputes concern pay raises, improved working conditions, and other contractual issues.
The impact will be most noticeable at Milan Malpensa, Bologna, and Pisa airports. Ripple effects are likely at other airports across the country. This strike will disrupt both domestic and international flights. Low-cost carriers such as Volotea and Wizz Air Malta are among those expected to be most affected.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly for cancellations and rebooking options. Volotea and Wizz Air have already started notifying passengers of potential cancellations. Travelers planning to fly through Italy during these dates should be prepared for possible delays and cancellations.
Using the flexible booking options offered by airlines is key to reducing the impact of this disruption. Travelers should also consider alternative modes of transportation, such as train services, for short-haul travel within Italy. Italy has a good rail network that can be a viable option for domestic journeys.
Netherlands: KLM Ground Staff Strike
The Netherlands will face its own disruption on October 1, 2025. KLM ground staff at Schiphol Airport will go on strike. The FNV and CNV unions organized this strike. It is part of a labor dispute over pay increases and the introduction of a permanent early retirement scheme for staff engaged in physically demanding tasks.
The strike is expected to last 8 hours, from 06:00 to 14:00 CEST. It will primarily affect ground operations at Schiphol. This action will result in delays and cancellations, especially for KLM. KLM had already announced the cancellation of 119 flights scheduled for September 24 due due to similar industrial action.
Additional cancellations are expected on October 1 as ground operations remain severely impacted. Passengers traveling with KLM or connecting through Schiphol on October 1 are advised to stay informed about their flight's status. Delta Airlines, which operates through Schiphol, will also be affected. Passengers may face long wait times at the airport.
Key Numbers
- KLM cancellations (Sept 24): 119 flights.
- Ryanair potential cancellations (France): Up to 700 flights, affecting over 125,000 passengers.
- Netherlands strike duration: 8 hours (06:00-14:00 CEST).
Navigating European Air Travel Disruptions
With multiple strikes occurring across Europe in early October, it is crucial for travelers to be proactive and well-prepared. Here are essential steps to minimize the impact of these disruptions:
- Monitor Flight Status Regularly: Check your airline's website or app for the latest updates on your flight. Sign up for flight alerts.
- Contact Your Airline: If your flight is affected, contact your airline directly to discuss rebooking options, refunds, or credit vouchers.
- Understand Passenger Rights: Familiarize yourself with EU passenger rights (EC 261/2004), which may entitle you to compensation or assistance for significant delays or cancellations.
- Consider Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, review your policy to see what coverage you have for strike-related disruptions.
- Explore Alternative Routes/Modes of Transport: For shorter distances, consider trains or buses. For longer journeys, look into alternative flight routes that bypass affected countries.
- Arrive Early at the Airport: Expect longer queues and potential delays at security and check-in, especially at affected airports.
- Pack Essentials: Keep important documents, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of unexpected overnight delays.
As Europe faces a series of strikes in early October, travelers must prepare for possible disruptions at major airports in Greece, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. Airlines are offering flexible options to help passengers adjust their travel plans. It is essential to remain informed and proactive. By staying updated on strike developments and using available flexible booking options, passengers can minimize the impact of these disruptions.
Whether you are traveling to Greece for a holiday, connecting through Schiphol, or flying on a domestic flight in France or Italy, preparation is key. This will help ensure a smoother journey during this turbulent period. Being prepared can reduce stress and help manage unexpected changes to travel plans.
