This summer, a slew of travel strikes could leave holidaymakers facing a bumpy ride to their holiday destinations, with flights, trains, and road trips all potentially affected. Strikes by airport workers, security staff, and air traffic controllers are expected to hit European flights this summer, despite airlines’ increased staffing levels.
Workers at Britain’s No.2 airport Gatwick will strike for eight days at the end of July and early August, potentially causing cancellations and travel misery for thousands of passengers. The Unite trade Union said around 950 workers, including ground handlers, baggage handlers, and check-in agents, will walk out in a pay dispute. The first round of strikes will run from July 28-Aug. One and then another four days from Aug. 4-8.
The airport, located about 48km south of London, is a crucial hub for leisure flights to many southern European beach destinations and is operated by British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and TUI. United warned that the new strike dates will hit air travel at the busiest time of year for summer holidays. The airport says it supports airlines with their contingency plans to ensure that flights operate as scheduled and will support them with any operational requirements.
Amid rising energy costs, mortgage rates, and food prices, Britons are already feeling the pinch when budgeting for a summer holiday. This year, holiday prices are up more than 30 percent compared with pre-pandemic levels and well above the average inflation rate since 2019.
The news of more strike action is bad news for families attempting to get away with cheap deals. It is also likely to add to the woes of European tourists, who have endured a difficult few weeks as flash flooding turned parts of Italy and Spain into rivers, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
In addition to flight disruption from the air, train services may be impacted on routes serving the biggest airports in England, Scotland, and Wales due to rail strike action that will impact travel on Monday and Tuesday. While several routes will be fully operating, booking as far in advance as possible and checking with your provider before traveling is recommended.
