Strikes threaten major disruption to Europe flights
Flights across Europe face major disruption next week as air traffic controllers in France, Germany, Spain and Portugal plan strike action.
Passengers due to travel anywhere in Europe on Thursday October 10 are being warned that it is highly likely their flight will be delayed or cancelled.
The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination said those travelling in Germany, France, Spain and Portugal will be particularly affected but the strike will also affect anyone flying in air-space over Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France, whose air traffic control service is provided by Eurocontrol.
It said workers in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland will also join its ‘Action Day’.
They are protesting against plans to streamline European air traffic control, which they say will threaten flight safety.
IATA director general and chief executive Tony Tyler has warned transport ministers the stoppage would cost airlines nearly £230 million if it goes ahead.
He and others in the industry are urging ministers across Europe to intervene in the dispute.
ATCEUC represents more than 14 000 Air Traffic Controllers from 26 European Countries.
Passengers are being urged to contact their travel agent or airline.
Any strike action on Thursday is also likely to affect travel in the following few days.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026