European Aviation Strikes Threaten Thousands of Flights

A series of labor disputes is disrupting aviation across Europe, with strikes affecting Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France. In Belgium, air traffic controllers at Charleroi Airport have struck every night since September 16 over night-shift bonuses, resulting in approximately 160 flight cancellations. This action may continue until October 10.

easyJet faces significant disruptions due to separate disputes in Portugal and France. Portuguese cabin crew, represented by the SNPVAC union, voted for strikes from October 2–6 and December 19–23, citing staffing shortages and poor working conditions. These actions could ground up to 500 flights, specifically threatening routes between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and destinations like Porto and Funchal. Meanwhile, French pilots have scheduled strikes for early October over scheduling protections, though these dates have been postponed twice to allow for negotiations.

Other national disruptions include a planned strike in Italy on September 30 involving ENAV and other aviation entities over wages. In Spain, Groundforce ground handling staff are conducting indefinite strikes at major hubs, including Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid-Barajas, over labor rights. Additionally, French pilots and cabin crew have called a five-day strike in October during the Toussaint school holidays to protest retirement pension reforms.