Travelers heading to Europe this Easter are being urged to prepare for widespread disruptions as France, Italy, and Greece face a new wave of transport strikes from April through June 2025. Industrial action across aviation, rail, and public transport sectors is expected to affect thousands of passengers during the busy holiday period.
The strikes stem from long-standing disputes over pay, working conditions, and pension reforms, and will impact air traffic control, airline staff, and rail workers across the region.
Greece: Nationwide Flight Disruptions on April 9
On Wednesday, April 9, air traffic controllers in Greece will stage a 24-hour strike, called by the Adedy union, in protest against wage-related issues in the public sector. The walkout is expected to ground all commercial flights in and out of Greece, affecting airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
Past strikes of this nature have led to widespread cancellations. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines and note that EU compensation rules do not apply to strikes by air traffic control. However, airlines must still offer meals, accommodation, and alternative transport where needed.
Italy: EasyJet Cabin Crew Strike to Affect Flights
In Italy, EasyJet flight attendants will strike for four hours on April 9, from 10:30 a.m. local time, affecting operations at Milan and Naples airports. According to EasyJet, the airline is working to minimise the impact and will contact affected passengers directly with rebooking or refund options.
The action is part of a broader push by Italian aviation unions to address salary disparities and working conditions during peak travel seasons.
France: Six-Week Rail Strike Notice Issued
In France, the SUD-Rail union has announced a six-week rolling strike from April 17 to June 2, potentially affecting both domestic and international rail services operated by SNCF, including TGV and regional lines.
The industrial action, involving ticket inspectors and conductors, is tied to demands for wage increases and job security. While specific strike dates are pending, travelers should expect short-notice disruptions, particularly around public holidays such as May 1 (Labour Day) and Ascension Day (May 29).
Heathrow Airport: Strikes Impacting Passenger Assistance
In the UK, Heathrow Airport will also experience disruptions on April 9, with around 500 Wilson James staff—who assist passengers with reduced mobility—staging a strike over unequal pay compared to their counterparts at Gatwick. Simultaneously, OCS-employed cleaners working for British Airways will strike over low wages.
Delays are expected, particularly for travelers needing assistance. Passengers flying via Heathrow on that day should monitor updates closely.
Know Your Rights: Flight and Rail Protections
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to:
- Meals, refreshments, and accommodation for delays over two hours.
- A refund or rebooking if a flight is canceled.
- No cash compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances such as air traffic control strikes.
Train passengers in the EU are also covered:
- Refunds are available if trains are canceled or delayed over 60 minutes.
- Travelers are entitled to alternative transport or a return journey if continuation becomes impossible.
- If no rerouting is offered within 100 minutes, travelers can arrange their own and seek reimbursement.
Outlook: Travel With Flexibility
As strikes unfold across Europe this spring, travelers should stay informed, flexible, and proactive. Check airline and rail operator websites regularly, book flexible tickets, and purchase travel insurance that covers disruption.
With France, Italy, and Greece facing sustained industrial action, those planning holidays during the Easter break and beyond should prepare for potential last-minute changes—but with careful planning, delays can be managed.
Sources:
- Frontline union updates: Adedy (Greece), SUD-Rail (France), Italian aviation unions
- Airline statements: EasyJet press communications
- UK airport strike announcements: Unite the Union, GMB
- EU Regulation 261/2004 and European Commission passenger rights documentation
- Media outlets: Reuters, BBC News, Sky News, Euronews (April 2025)
