The strikes that could affect your holiday this year – and how to claim compensation
Transport staff are expected to strike at various key European destinations in the next few weeks, including in Italy and Belgium. Walkouts have also been planned at airports in Greece.
Here we round up the travel strikes across the UK and Europe in the coming months, with advice on what to do if your plans are affected.
This page will be regularly updated to reflect the latest information, but note that some strikes are announced with little notice.
In this guide:
Travel disruption in Europe and the UK
Italy
Airports (February 28)
Baggage handlers at both Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, and Venice Marco Polo Airport, will take part in a strike on February 28. While Bergamo’s action will only last between 12pm to 4pm, Venice’s is 24 hours long. It’s thought that check-in and luggage collection services might be affected at both destinations.
Greece
Airports (February 28)
Air traffic controllers in Greece will join a nationwide general strike on February 28, meaning all commercial flights will be cancelled for the 24-hour period. Arrivals and departures from all Greek airports will be affected, with only essential flights, like medical evacuations, operating.
The industrial action has been called by labour unions in both the private and public sector, so expect other services, like ferries and public transport, to be affected, too. It takes place on the second anniversary of the Tempe rail disaster, which saw 57 people killed after a head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train. It remains a subject of anger in Greece and the government has been criticised for its slow response.
Belgium
Airports and railways (13th of each month for air; February 21 to March 2 for rail)
Airport security staff and baggage handlers are continuing to strike on the 13th of each month for “passenger security”. Some flights have been cancelled as a result, and it’s worth checking with your flight operator if you are due to fly.
Similarly, the railways – plus some buses, trams and metro services – are likely to be disrupted until March 2. In a statement, the rail operator SNCB said: “We understand and regret that this strike may interfere with your travels. In order to deal with the limited number of trains running, we will put in place an alternative service in accordance with staff availability.”
International trains should not be affected.
UK
Railways (Sundays until May 25)
Trains travelling on Sundays, on the West Coast Main Line, may be cancelled until May 25. The action comes as Avanti West Coast workers dispute rest-day pay. If your train tickets were booked before December 17, you can use them to travel on alternative dates or claim a full refund. For more details, visit the Avanti West Coast website.
What to do if your travel plans are affected by strike action
Before travelling, check whether there are any strikes in your destination and plan accordingly. Localised train strikes, for example, could create issues travelling from the airport upon arrival. Below, we outline your rights for major modes of transport.
Flights
If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to strike action, contact your airline immediately. Airlines are obliged to offer assistance such as food and drink or accommodation for extensive delays due to industrial action. Your airline is also obliged to place you on the next available flight. Or, if the delay lasts for more than five hours, you can withdraw from your flight and ask for a refund.
For flights that are cancelled outright, whether you are entitled to compensation depends on if the strike is considered to be something the airline could control. If so, you will only be entitled to compensation if your carrier informs you your flight is cancelled less than 14 days from the date you’re due to fly. But in the case of European air traffic control strikes, this wouldn’t be seen as the airline’s responsibility.
Check that your travel insurance covers you in the event of strike action. But be aware that once the industrial action has been announced, even without precise dates, you will not be able to buy cover for strikes.
For more information on what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled, read our comprehensive guide here.
Trains and Eurostar services
If you have purchased an advance ticket and the train is rescheduled or cancelled due to strike action, you are entitled to a change or refund.
The refund process depends on each operator, but most have a straightforward “delay repay” system. Be sure to contact the retailer you purchased the ticket from.
As for Eurostar, if your train has been cancelled or is announced as delayed before departure by more than 60 minutes, you can reschedule your trip for another date or swap your ticket for an e-voucher, which you can use to rebook later in the year or claim a cash refund. Those whose trains are delayed after departure are entitled to partial refunds, depending on the length of the delay. Find more information here.
Ferries
According to the trade body Abta, if your ferry is expected to be delayed or cancelled, you should be provided with free snacks, meals and refreshments in relation to the waiting time. Refreshments should be provided even if the reason for the cancellation is bad weather (considered out of the company’s control).
When your ferry operator cancels your service due to strike action, it should offer the choice of an alternative or a refund.
You are entitled to compensation of 25 per cent of your ticket price, for that part of the affected journey, if your service is delayed in arrival by at least:
one hour for a journey of four hours
two hours for a journey between four and eight hours
three hours for a journey between eight and 24 hours
six hours for a journey of more than 24 hours
If the delay exceeds double the time set out, the compensation should be 50 per of the ticket price. The ferry operator must pay compensation within one month of the submission of a substantiated claim for compensation. Passengers should note that compensation isn’t payable where the delay was caused by weather conditions endangering the safe operation of the ferry or by extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances that hindered the sailing.
This piece is kept regularly updated with the latest strike news.
