Europe dealing with flight disruptions as strikes impact air travel

Donald Wood | TravelPulse (TNS)

Europe remains one of the most popular summer travel destinations for 2023, but potential strikes among security officers, air traffic controllers and pilots could impact travel through July and August.

According to Reuters.com, the United Kingdom avoided potential issues early in the summer season as the Unite union postponed a strike at Heathrow Airport in London after a more lucrative contract was offered.

In addition, around 100 security officers and terminal technicians at Birmingham Airport were considering strike action, a move that could “severely impact the airport’s operations.”

In France, strikes by air traffic controllers led to delays and limited flights, including airlines canceling a third of their scheduled services on a day early in June due to a planned strike. As a result of the uncertainty, the number of flights to top French destinations like Lyon, Marseille and Nice have been reduced by as much as 20%.

The Italian aviation sector is dealing with a nationwide 24-hour strike over pay and working conditions. Flight delays and cancellations were expected as “airport handling services, airline and airport staff, and air transport and associated companies” were all impacted.

Pilots in Spain representing Iberia Regional Air Nostrum and Air Europa have organized strikes over pay disputes, negatively impacting flight schedules as the busy summer travel period heats up.

In Sweden, airport controllers at Bromma Stockholm Airport and Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport announced they would walk out on July 3 if a new labor agreement is not reached. In addition, workers at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport also plan to strike on July 5.

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