In short: strikes that may disrupt flights are announced or possible in Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal over the coming weeks. If outside parties strike (air traffic control, airport staff), compensation is usually not due – if the airline’s own staff strike, it is. Last checked: 10 November 2026
Upcoming strikes
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No strike called yet – mediation runs until 15 November 2026
Germany, Lufthansa
Lufthansa pilots (Vereinigung Cockpit) watch
No strike has been announced. Arbitration ended without agreement in October and a wider mediation runs until 15 November. If no deal is reached, a strike may follow, which would hit Lufthansa flights including those via its Frankfurt and Munich hubs. This would be a strike by the airline’s own staff, so compensation may be due.
Sources: ad-hoc-news (23 Oct 2026), t-online (Oct 2026)
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Friday, 20 November 2026 · all day
Italy, nationwide
general strike (CGIL), also affecting air transport announced
In Italy, flights departing between 07:00 and 10:00 and between 18:00 and 21:00 are guaranteed even during a strike.
Affected: flights to, from and within Italy (nationwide)
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Saturday, 21 November 2026 · 13:00–17:00
Italy, nationwide
ENAV air traffic controllers (FILT-CGIL, UGL-TA) announced
The biggest risk on this list for international flights: Italian air traffic control also handles flights that only cross Italian airspace. During the similar four-hour strike on 30 September, ITA Airways cancelled around 29% of its flights for the day.
Affected: flights to, from and within Italy (nationwide)
Sources: The Local Italy (21 Oct 2026), Missionline (26 Oct 2026)
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Sunday, 22 November 2026 · 24 hours
Italy, Milan Malpensa, Venice
ENAV controllers at Malpensa (Fast-Confsal); Sicuritalia IVRI security staff at Venice Marco Polo (Fisascat-Cisl) announced
Two local strikes on the same day.
Affected airports: MXP, VCE
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Sunday, 22 November 2026 · 24 hours
Italy, Pisa and Florence
Toscana Aeroporti, GH Toscana and Consulta staff (USB Lavoro Privato) announced
Airport and ground-handling staff at both Tuscan airports; check-in, baggage and turnaround delays are possible.
Affected airports: PSA, FLR
Sources: SicurAUTO.it (6 Nov 2026)
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Wednesday, 25 November 2026 · 24 hours
Greece, nationwide
public sector (ADEDY) uncertain
By 10 November we had found no announcement that air traffic controllers will take part. If they do, flights to, from and over Greece may be cancelled, as in earlier ADEDY strikes.
Affected: flights to, from and within Greece (nationwide)
Sources: Argophilia (12 Oct 2026)
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Friday, 4 December 2026
Italy, nationwide
general strike (CUB, SGB, SI-COBAS and others) announced
Air transport is also affected; the exact hours are not yet known.
Affected: flights to, from and within Italy (nationwide)
Sources: Scioperi Italia, Money.it (22 Oct 2026)
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Monday, 14 December 2026 · 24 hours
Italy, Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino
ground handling (Aviation Services, FAST-Confsal) announced
Delays and cancellations are possible on flights to and from Rome.
Affected airports: FCO, CIA
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Tuesday, 15 December 2026 · 24 hours
Italy, Bologna
ENAV air traffic controllers (UILT-UIL) announced
Local air traffic control strike.
Affected airports: BLQ
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Wednesday, 16 December 2026 · 11:00–15:00
Italy, Bologna
La Lucente cleaning contractor staff (FILCAMS-CGIL, UILT-UIL) announced
Four-hour strike by the airport’s cleaning contractor; little effect on flights is expected.
Affected airports: BLQ
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19 December 2026 – 23 December 2026
Portugal, Lisbon, Porto, Faro
easyJet cabin crew based in Portugal (SNPVAC) announced
Approved by the crew’s general assembly together with the 2–6 October strike. Affects easyJet’s Portuguese bases. This is a strike by the airline’s own staff, so affected passengers may be entitled to compensation.
Affected airports: LIS, OPO, FAO
Sources: RTP / Lusa (17 Sep 2026), Dinheiro Vivo (Sep 2026), Pixidia (27 Oct 2026)
Italy has strike-free periods for air transport: 30 October 2026 – 5 November 2026 and 18 December 2026 – 7 January 2027 (ENAC). Strikes are often postponed or called off, so check your airline’s information before you travel.
Strike guides by country
Who usually strikes, where strikes are announced, minimum-service rules and your rights – country by country:
Do strikes give you compensation?
- The airline’s own staff strike (pilots, cabin crew, the airline’s own ground staff): compensation is due – €250–€600 if the flight arrived 3 or more hours late or was cancelled less than 14 days before departure (C-28/20, C-195/17, C-613/20).
- Outside parties strike (air traffic controllers, airport security or ground staff, a general strike): compensation is usually not due, because this is an extraordinary circumstance – but the airline must prove that it did everything reasonable to avoid the disruption.
- In both cases you are entitled to re-routing or a refund, and care while you wait (meals, refreshments and, if needed, a hotel).
What to do if your flight is affected
- Follow the airline’s e-mails and text messages; if your flight is cancelled, choose between re-routing and a refund.
- Keep the notifications and any receipts for expenses while you wait.
- If the airline’s own staff were on strike, submit a compensation claim – you can use our complaint letter template.
Past and called off
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – Spain, nationwide: general strike (CCOO, UGT, CGT and others)
- Friday, 6 November 2026 – Italy, Bari: ENAV air traffic controllers (Bari airport, Fast-Confsal)
- Thursday, 5 November 2026 – France, nationwide: union day of action (CFDT, CGT, FO, Unsa, FSU); SUD Aérien also called on airport workers to join
- 23 October 2026 – 2 November 2026 – United Kingdom, Leeds Bradford Airport: air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff (Unite) (called off)
- 21 October 2026 – 3 November 2026 – Portugal, Azores: SATA Handling ground staff (Sintac, Sitava)
- 17 October 2026 – 21 October 2026 – France, nationwide: pilots and cabin crew under French law (SNPL, SNPNC, SNGAF, UNAC, UNSA PNC) (called off)
- Friday, 16 October 2026 – Italy, easyJet Italian bases: easyJet flight crew based in Italy (USB Lavoro Privato)
- Friday, 9 October 2026 – Belgium, Brussels Airport: national union day of action (ABVV/FGTB, ACV/CSC)
- 2 October 2026 – 6 October 2026 – Portugal, Lisbon, Porto, Faro: easyJet cabin crew based in Portugal (SNPVAC)
- Wednesday, 30 September 2026 – Italy, nationwide: ENAV and Techno Sky air traffic control staff
Frequently asked questions
If air traffic controllers strike, am I entitled to compensation?
Usually not: strikes by outside parties – air traffic controllers, airport staff – are generally extraordinary circumstances. Even then, the airline has to prove that it took all reasonable measures. You are still entitled to re-routing or a refund, and to care (meals, refreshments and, if needed, a hotel) while you wait.
What if the airline’s own pilots or cabin crew go on strike?
Then yes. According to the Court of Justice of the European Union, a strike by the airline’s own staff is not an extraordinary circumstance, even if it was lawfully called and announced in advance (C-28/20, Airhelp v SAS). A “wildcat” strike in the form of mass sick leave is not one either (C-195/17, Krüsemann).
Can I postpone or cancel my trip because of an announced strike?
If your flight has not been cancelled, the airline does not have to refund your ticket. If it is cancelled, you can choose between a refund and re-routing. Before you travel, always check the airline’s notices and your booking.
How do I know whether my flight is affected?
The airline will notify you by e-mail or text message, and the status of your flight is shown in the airline’s app or on its website. After the trip, you can check whether compensation is due for your flight in a couple of minutes.
This calendar is based on union announcements, official strike registers and press reports; sources are listed for each entry. Last checked: 10 November 2026. Court sources: C-28/20, C-195/17. General information, not legal advice.