Current European strike status
- Barcelona-El Prat: Groundforce’s indefinite ground-handling strike is active. Check-in, boarding and baggage delays are possible for airlines served by Groundforce.
- East Midlands Railway: action short of a strike runs through 14 August, followed by a reduced strike-day timetable on 15 August.
- Palma de Mallorca: Swissport action ended on 8–9 August; no current strike is announced.
- Italy: the aviation-strike blackout runs through 5 September.
- France, Belgium, Portugal, Germany and Greece: no current airport or nationwide ferry strike notice is published.
For the airport-only view, see the Europe airport strikes tracker.
Border and airport queues
Schengen biometric border checks can add time for non-EU travellers. Allow extra time at busy airports and follow the airport’s current arrival guidance.
Your passenger rights
If a covered flight is cancelled, the airline must offer a refund or re-routing. Meals, refreshments and, when necessary, accommodation may also be due while you wait. Fixed cash compensation depends on who caused the disruption; an external airport or ground-handler strike is generally outside the airline’s control.
What travellers should do
- Check the airline or operator’s live status before leaving.
- Allow extra time for check-in, baggage and connections where industrial action is active.
- Keep essential medication, chargers and a change of clothes in hand luggage.
- Do not change a booking unless the operator confirms a cancellation or material schedule change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which current disruption should I plan around?
Allow extra time for Groundforce-handled flights at Barcelona-El Prat. On East Midlands Railway, action short of a strike continues through 14 August, the reduced strike-day timetable is on 15 August, and further action short of a strike begins 16 August.
Is Europe facing a continent-wide shutdown?
No. Flights and trains continue to operate; the active risks are operator- and location-specific.
Sources
- Catalan News — Groundforce Barcelona strike
- East Midlands Railway — current strike information
- Cadena SER Mallorca — Palma UGT strike called off
- Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport — strike calendar
- ENAC — aviation strike blackout and minimum-service rules
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
