Home » EUROPE » Europe Travel Set To Be Hit By Monumental Airport Strikes As Greece And Belgium Join Italy, Spain, Lithuania, And More In Mid-October Disruptions
Published on
October 11, 2025
Europe’s October 2025 Travel Disruptions: Strike Dates and Affected Regions to Watch highlight a wave of industrial actions that will significantly impact transport across the continent. With widespread strikes scheduled in Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania, travelers are in for major disruptions in mid-October. From airport cancellations and train delays to ferry stoppages and baggage handling issues, these labor actions are set to cause chaos at key transport hubs, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing delays. As workers protest against various labor reforms and economic pressures, travel plans across Europe could be severely affected, making it essential for passengers to stay informed and prepare for potential setbacks.
Europe is on the brink of a significant travel disruption as several countries announce major strike actions across airports, railways, and public transport networks. In mid-October 2025, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania are set to join forces in a wave of labor unrest, leading to widespread delays, cancellations, and chaotic travel conditions for thousands of passengers across the continent. This article explores the details of the strikes, their expected impact on travelers, and what passengers should do to prepare.
Greece: Nationwide 24-Hour Strike on October 14
Greece will experience one of the most disruptive transport strikes on October 14, as unions representing various sectors organize a 24-hour nationwide strike. The strike is part of a broader protest against proposed labor reforms, including extended working hours and reduced collective bargaining rights.
Key Impacts in Greece:
- Public Transport in Athens:
- Metro, tram, and electric train (ISAP) services will operate only from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Bus and trolley operations remain uncertain, with updates expected closer to the strike date.
- Rail Services:
- The Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers (POS) has confirmed their participation, meaning all train services, including suburban railways (Proastiakos), will be disrupted.
- Hellenic Train is expected to announce cancellations in the days leading up to the strike, and there may be limited emergency services operating.
- Ferry and Cruise Disruptions:
- Three major seamen’s unions — PEMEN, PENEN, and PEPRN — will halt ferry and cruise operations, affecting all ship departures from Piraeus, Lavrio, and Rafina ports.
- Disruptions are expected in the movement of cruise ships, tankers, and container ships due to the absence of tugboat operators.
Passengers traveling to or from Greece should anticipate significant disruptions and should consider alternative travel options. Flight services might also be impacted, so travelers should stay updated with airline notifications.
Belgium: National Strike on October 14
On the same day as Greece’s strike, Belgium will also be seeing major disruptions due to a nationwide strike organized by several unions. This action is in protest of government reforms concerning pensions, salaries, and working conditions.
Key Impacts in Belgium:
- Airports:
- Brussels Airport (Zaventem): Nearly all departing flights are expected to be canceled, with some incoming flights also affected.
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport: Similar disruptions are expected, with both incoming and outgoing flights likely to be canceled.
- Passengers are advised to check with airlines for rebooking or refund options.
- Public Transport:
- STIB-MIVB, De Lijn, and TEC, the primary operators of metro, tram, and bus services, will operate on a significantly reduced schedule.
- Alternative transport options should be considered, and travelers should stay informed via official apps or websites.
The national strike is set to disrupt daily routines in Belgium, and with major airports affected, passengers are encouraged to prepare for canceled flights and severe delays.
Italy: Airport Strikes on October 13 and 29
In Italy, there are two key strike actions that will affect airports and transport services in October. The first strike is on October 13, followed by another planned for October 29.
October 13 Strike:
- Rome’s Fiumicino Airport will experience a four-hour strike from 12:00 to 16:00, causing potential delays and cancellations.
- Travelers should expect disruption, particularly in the afternoon hours.
October 29 Strike:
- A 24-hour strike involving unions at Milan Linate, Florence, and Pisa airports will affect services throughout the day, with likely delays and cancellations.
In addition to airport disruptions, public transport across Italy, particularly Trenitalia and Italo services, will also face interruptions, especially for long-distance travel.
Spain: Baggage Handling Strikes Affecting Major Airports
In Spain, Azul Handling, a baggage handling company affiliated with Ryanair, is set to hold ongoing strikes throughout the remainder of 2025. These strikes will occur 10, 13, 29 October during the critical morning hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Key Impacts in Spain:
- Affected Airports:
- Major airports, including Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South, and Valencia, will face significant delays in baggage handling during these times.
- Expected Delays:
- Travelers should anticipate possible delays, particularly in the morning, and should plan for extra time at the airport.
Given the frequency of these strikes, passengers traveling through these airports should prepare for disruptions and allow for longer processing times, especially for international and connecting flights.
Lithuania: Vilnius Airport Disruption on October 5
Vilnius Airport experienced a temporary suspension on October 5 due to a contraband-related issue. Helium balloons from Belarus entered Lithuanian airspace, resulting in a closure of the airport for several hours.
Key Impacts at Vilnius Airport:
- Flight Diversions:
- Around 30 flights were affected, with 6,000 passengers experiencing delays.
- Many inbound flights were diverted to neighboring airports in Latvia and Poland, and several departures were canceled.
- Authorities’ Response:
- Authorities had declared a 90 km no-fly zone along the Belarus border to mitigate such incidents in the future.
- It is expected that further disruptions could occur should similar events unfold.
Travelers departing from or arriving in Vilnius on October 5 were heavily impacted, and while operations resumed shortly after, those flying to and from the area should stay alert to any sudden changes.
United Kingdom: Manchester Airport Rail Disruption
In the United Kingdom, Manchester Airport faced a significant rail disruption on October 8, caused by a fatal incident on the train tracks between Manchester Piccadilly and the airport. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but the closure of the train line led to major delays.
Key Impacts in the UK:
- Train Services:
- The train line closure affected passengers traveling between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport until at least 3:30 p.m.
- Metrolink services and the Bee Network bus service were recommended as alternative modes of transport.
Travelers relying on train services to reach Manchester Airport on the morning of October 8 were severely impacted. Affected passengers were advised to use local metro and bus services as a substitute.
Key Strike Dates Across Europe: Major Travel Disruptions in October 2025
What Travelers Should Do to Prepare
As these strikes and disruptions unfold, travelers across Europe must take proactive measures to mitigate the impact on their travel plans. Here are several important steps to follow:
- Check Airline and Transport Operator Updates:
- Given the widespread nature of these disruptions, passengers should stay in touch with their airlines or travel operators to receive real-time updates about cancellations or delays.
- Many airlines are offering rebooking or refund options in light of the strikes.
- Consider Alternative Routes:
- If your original travel route is affected, consider rerouting through other airports or using alternative means of transport, such as buses or regional flights.
- Purchase Travel Insurance:
- For those traveling during this period, travel insurance covering disruptions due to strikes can provide peace of mind and ensure financial protection in case of cancellations or delays.
- Plan for Longer Wait Times:
- Travelers should plan to arrive at airports and transport stations well ahead of time, as delays in baggage handling and longer security checks are likely.
- Monitor Local News:
- Keep an eye on local news outlets for any updates regarding the strikes, especially if you’re traveling by train or ferry. Many transport networks will provide last-minute updates and may adjust their schedules based on the evolving situation.
The mid-October strikes across Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania are shaping up to be some of the most significant travel disruptions Europe has faced in 2025. With large-scale protests impacting everything from airports to railways and ferry services, travelers are advised to stay vigilant, monitor updates, and prepare for a range of possible delays and cancellations.
Europe’s October 2025 Travel Disruptions: Strike Dates and Affected Regions to Watch are due to major industrial actions scheduled across Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania. These strikes, driven by protests over labor reforms and economic pressures, will cause widespread disruptions at airports, railways, and public transport networks.
By following the recommended steps and staying informed, passengers can better navigate the challenges presented by these labor actions. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or other purposes, early preparation and flexibility will be key to ensuring a smoother journey during this turbulent period for European travel.
