European airports are experiencing a bustling summer season as passenger numbers gradually recover to pre-pandemic levels. However, ongoing wage negotiations between airline and airport staff have raised concerns about potential disruptions in the travel industry. Last year’s peak season in Europe was marred by cancellations, leading to chaos at airports. This summer, air traffic control issues have emerged as a potential weak spot, as warned by Eurocontrol, the organization responsible for managing European airspace.
Here is a summary of recent developments regarding strike-related disruptions across Europe:
Eurocontrol
A Eurocontrol trade union has announced a six-month period during which industrial action may take place in the Network Manager Operations Centre, responsible for overseeing air traffic across European airspace. However, specific strike dates have not been set.
Belgium
Ryanair pilots in Belgium have planned a strike on July 15-16 to demand higher wages and improved working conditions. Around 140 flights from Charleroi airport could be affected, although the extent of pilot participation and flight cancellations remains uncertain.
Britain
EasyJet has reduced its summer flight schedule by 2%, affecting the travel plans of 180,000 customers. The airline cited concerns about air traffic control challenges across Europe and cancelled 1,700 flights, mainly from London’s Gatwick airport, for the rest of July and August.
At Birmingham Airport, approximately 100 security officers and terminal technicians are set to commence continuous strike action from July 18. This will significantly impact security and terminal maintenance operations, leading to flight delays, as reported by the Unite union.
France
Frequent air traffic control (ATC) strikes in France, related to President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the pension age, have caused delays and limited flights nationwide, contributing to airspace congestion in Europe. Ryanair has requested protection for overflights from strike disruptions and cancelled more than 900 flights in June, primarily due to French ATC strikes.
Italy
Multiple unions have called for a nationwide strike among airport staff on July 15, linked to negotiations for a new collective contract. Air traffic controllers, baggage handlers, check-in personnel, as well as Italian pilots of Vueling, will walk out from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Pilots and flight attendants of Malta Air will join them for four hours starting at noon.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini stated that the companies and workers would meet the following week to continue negotiations.
ENAV, the air traffic control company in Italy, has confirmed that there will be no strikes in the Italian air transport sector between July 27 and September 5, thanks to a summer exemption provided by industry regulations.
Portugal
EasyJet has cancelled 350 flights to and from Portugal in anticipation of a cabin staff strike scheduled for July 21-25, according to the SNPVAC union of civil aviation flight personnel. This marks the union’s third strike since the beginning of the year.
Spain
Pilots at Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, who have been striking every Monday and Friday since February 27, commenced a daily indefinite strike from June 6 due to a pay dispute. As of July 14, Iberia has advised that certain flight routes may be affected.