Here’s when European airports and trains are set to strike this summer

Editor’s note: This page will be updated as new information emerges.

The summer travel season is upon us. We hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are several strikes to look out for across Europe that may specifically affect the travel sector.

If you’re planning to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage. Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to by way of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.

Here are the European strikes to look out for when you book summer travel.

UK rail and London Underground strikes

When: July 20, 22 and 29 (rail) and July 23-28 (London Underground)

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers across 14 different rail operators are due to strike July 20, 22 and 29. Coinciding with these dates, members of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen will have an overtime ban July 17-22.

Rail services will be affected across the United Kingdom during these periods. Those with travel planned during these days should expect severe disruption in the form of delays and cancellations.

Further compounding these strike dates, London Underground union members are also set to stage walkouts between July 23 and 28.

Birmingham Airport, England

When: Beginning July 18

Around 100 security officers and members of the Unite union will begin an “indefinite” strike July 18. The union says that the strike will “severely impact” airport security and terminal maintenance operations.

However, airport executives claim that any impact will be “limited” and no cancellations are expected as a result of the walkouts.

London Gatwick Airport

When: July 28-Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8

Almost 1,000 staff members at Gatwick will stage walkouts from July 28 to Aug. 1 and again from Aug. 4 to Aug. 8. The strikes will take place during the beginning of the U.K. school holidays.

Unite the Union, representing the workers involved, said travelers should expect “severe delays, disruption and cancellations,” affecting flights with several airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui Airways and Wizz Air.

Portugal airports

When: July 19, 30 and 31, and Aug. 5-6

Beginning July 19, overtime workers at Portuguese airports represented by various unions will go on strike for an indefinite period. Also, ground handlers in the same unions also plan to strike July 30-31 and Aug. 5-6.

Portugal EasyJet cabin crew strike

When: July 21-25

From July 21-25, EasyJet cabin crew workers in Portugal will commence their third strike in recent months following a rejected deal on pay and working conditions. In advance of these strikes, EasyJet has already canceled 350 flights on the affected days.

Bottom line

One thing worth remembering regarding strikes is that nothing is certain, and it’s always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal.

However, the current economic crisis is making things difficult for everyone. Workers are struggling through the deepening cost-of-living crisis, and travel companies are desperate to appease shareholders following the pandemic. The pressures on both sides of the fence seem unlikely to evaporate anytime soon.

The chances of more strikes this year are high across the travel sector. Keep an eye on these dates, and plan accordingly.

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Additional reporting by Matt Blake.