Brussels, 10 October 2025 — Air travel across Europe faced significant disruption today, with 2,312 flight delays and 523 cancellations reported across major airports, according to real-time data from Eurocontrol and FlightAware. The disruptions were driven by coordinated labor strikes in key aviation hubs, including France, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands, where air traffic controllers and ground staff staged walkouts over pay and working conditions.
Passenger Impact and Airport Hotspots
Based on average aircraft capacity and route data, aviation analysts estimate that over 90,000 passengers were affected by today’s delays and cancellations. The most impacted airports included:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – 420 delays, 78 cancellations
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – 310 delays, 65 cancellations
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 275 delays, 52 cancellations
- Athens International (ATH) – 190 delays, 41 cancellations
Ripple effects were felt across connecting flights in Frankfurt, Madrid, and Zurich, with airlines scrambling to rebook passengers and adjust schedules.
Causes of Disruption
The strikes were organized by national unions demanding:
- Higher wages and improved working conditions
- Reduced overtime and better rest periods
- Increased staffing and infrastructure investment
In France, a three-day air traffic control strike (7–9 October) disrupted thousands of flights, with lingering effects today due to backlog and rerouting. In Spain, ground handling staff at 12 airports continued rolling strikes, affecting Ryanair and other carriers.
Airline and Government Response
Airlines including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Ryanair issued travel advisories and offered flexible rebooking options. The European Commission urged member states to maintain minimum service guarantees and engage in dialogue with unions to prevent further escalation.
Despite contingency measures, many passengers faced long queues, missed connections, and overnight delays, particularly at transit-heavy airports.
Outlook
With additional strikes planned in Portugal and Belgium through mid-October, travelers are advised to monitor flight status closely and prepare for last-minute changes. Analysts warn that unless labor disputes are resolved, Europe’s aviation sector could face prolonged instability heading into the winter season.
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