Europe Faces Widespread Travel Disruptions in October

Travelers across Europe should prepare for significant disruptions throughout October. Multiple countries, including Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, are scheduled to experience widespread strikes affecting air, rail, and public transport. These actions coincide with the launch of a new border entry system, potentially causing further delays and challenges for millions of passengers during a busy travel period.

Greece: Nationwide Halt on October 1

Greece is set for a full national shutdown on October 1 due to a general strike. Public sector unions, private sector unions, and even the seafarers’ federation are participating. This means essential services, including ferries, trains, schools, hospitals, and government offices, will be affected.

The core issue driving the strike is a new labor law. Unions specifically oppose a provision that could extend daily shifts to 13 hours. They also demand the reinstatement of monthly salaries lost during austerity measures, significant pay raises to counter inflation, and a guaranteed 35-hour, five-day workweek.

Unions are calling the new labor law a "throwback to the dark ages," highlighting their strong opposition to the proposed changes.

This widespread action will effectively pause the country. For travelers, this means significant challenges. Ferry services will likely be canceled, and urban transport in major cities like Athens will be severely impacted. Travelers should make alternative arrangements for October 1, such as rescheduling ferry trips or avoiding city centers.

France: Dual Disruption in October

France will face two major periods of disruption in October. A large general strike is planned for October 2. Just days later, air traffic controllers will strike from October 7 to October 10, impacting air travel across Europe.

General Strike on October 2

On Thursday, October 2, a coalition of nearly all major French unions, known as the intersyndicale, will stage a "black day" of protests. This follows previous large-scale demonstrations in September that drew up to a million participants. The unions are protesting the government’s 2026 austerity budget plans.

Their demands include withdrawing the pension reform, canceling civil service job cuts, reversing unemployment insurance changes, and protecting the French social model. This strike is expected to create gridlock, with trains not running, schools closing, and various public services being frozen.

Air Traffic Control Strike: October 7-10

From the morning of October 7 through October 10, the powerful SNCTA union, representing most French air traffic controllers, will walk out. This action is critical for European travel because approximately one-third of all European flights typically pass through French airspace. Even flights not landing in France may experience rerouting, delays, or cancellations.

The SNCTA’s dispute focuses on demands for pay increases to match inflation and concerns about what they describe as "brutal management" by France’s aviation authority. Talks have failed, leading to this disruptive strike. This period could mark the worst European air travel disruption in years.

Italy: Rolling Disruptions Throughout October

Italy is preparing for one of its most disruptive months of industrial action in years, beginning with two major strikes on October 2 and 3 and continuing with targeted actions throughout the month. This will affect railways, airports, and public transport.

Rail and General Strikes: October 2-3

On October 2, Italy's rail network will experience a 24-hour nationwide strike. This will impact both regional and long-distance services, starting at 21:00 on October 2 and lasting until 20:59 on October 3. While some guaranteed services will operate, most trains are expected to be canceled or delayed.

Adding to the complexity, a general strike involving public and private sector workers is planned for October 3. This means that while trains are already disrupted, other public services, schools, and healthcare will also face closures and widespread disruptions across the country.

Ongoing Targeted Strikes

The disruptions will not end after October 3. The rest of the month will see a series of targeted strikes aimed at maintaining pressure and causing maximum impact on travel and transport. These nationwide actions will have significant ripple effects. Travelers should not expect smooth transport in Italy throughout October. Trains, buses, and even airports will be heavily impacted at various times.

• October 9: Airport ground staff strike in major cities.
• October 15: Regional public transport strike in Lombardy.
• October 22: National airport security staff strike.
• October 29: Local public transport strike in Rome and Milan.

Netherlands: Schiphol Airport Ground Staff Strike

The Netherlands will experience a targeted strike at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on October 1. KLM ground staff, including baggage handlers, check-in personnel, and ramp workers, will walk out for eight hours, from 06:00 to 14:00 local time.

The unions, including FNV and CNV, are demanding better wages and working conditions. They rejected KLM's offer of a 2.25% pay increase over two years, arguing it does not match the rising cost of living and inflation. This strike is a last resort after negotiations failed.

Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, handling approximately 66.8 million passengers in 2024. It serves as a major hub for international connections. Any disruption here causes ripple effects across Europe, especially during the busy morning and early afternoon hours. While only an 8-hour strike, it can create a snowball effect for the entire day, leading to widespread delays or cancellations.

Spain: Ryanair Ground Handling Strikes

Spain faces a month-long series of partial strikes primarily affecting Ryanair flights. Ground handling services for Ryanair at 12 major airports will experience recurring strikes every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October. This sustained campaign will cause ongoing headaches for Ryanair passengers.

The FeSMC-UGT union, representing baggage handlers and ground staff for Azul Handling (a Ryanair subsidiary), is organizing these strikes. Workers are protesting working conditions, including pay, long hours, and treatment. They seek fairer scheduling, improved job security, and better conditions for part-time employees.

With no quick resolution expected, travelers flying with Ryanair in Spain should anticipate consistent disruption. This situation is made worse by the fact that Spain's airports are busier than ever.

New European Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch

Adding to the travel challenges, Europe will introduce a new border processing system. Starting October 12, 2025, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will become active. This system will change how non-EU travelers enter the Schengen Area.

The EES aims to enhance border security and efficiency in the long term. However, during its initial rollout, it is likely to cause delays, especially at busy airports and train stations. Travelers should plan to arrive earlier than usual to account for potentially longer queues and new processing procedures.

Europe's Resilient Tourism Market

Despite these anticipated travel disruptions, Europe's tourism sector continues to show strong recovery and growth in 2025. People are still traveling to Europe in large numbers. The latest data indicates robust tourism activity across the continent.

• International tourist arrivals in Europe increased by 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
• The total number of tourist overnights is projected to reach 2.1 billion in 2025.

Some countries are experiencing particularly strong tourism booms:

• Portugal: Expected to see a 15% increase in international arrivals.
• Croatia: Anticipates a 10% increase in tourism revenue.
• Malta: Projects a 13% rise in visitor numbers.

The European tourism market is projected to generate $305.96 billion in 2025. Package holidays are expected to be a significant contributor to this revenue, suggesting that travel companies will continue to offer attractive deals to consumers. While the strikes present temporary obstacles, the overall trend for European tourism remains positive and busy.

Recommendations for Travelers

Travelers planning to visit Europe in October should prioritize flexibility and staying informed. Here are key recommendations:

1. Monitor Strike Schedules: Regularly check news and airline/rail operator websites for updates on strike dates and affected services.
2. Book Flexible Tickets: Choose tickets that allow for changes or cancellations without high penalties.
3. Allow Extra Time: Plan for longer transit times, especially at airports and border crossings, due to strikes and the new EES system.
4. Have a Backup Plan: Consider alternative transport options or adjust itineraries if primary travel plans are disrupted.
5. Communicate with Providers: Stay in contact with airlines, hotels, and tour operators for any changes or assistance.

This October will require patience and careful planning for anyone traveling across Europe. Remaining informed and adaptable will be crucial to navigating the expected disruptions.