Airport and airline workers across Europe have launched strikes to protest working conditions, leading to the grounding of hundreds of flights across the continent and leaving thousands of travelers stranded during a record heatwave.
In Italy, multiple unions declared a nationwide work stoppage for airport staff, resulting in the cancellation of around 1,000 domestic and international flights. This left nearly 250,000 travelers stranded, with Rome being one of the most affected areas, reporting 200 flight cancellations.
Belgium’s Charleroi airport also experienced disruptions, with 120 flights canceled over the weekend due to the strike.
The strike in Italy was led by ground crew demanding a new collective contract, six years after the previous one expired. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini urged the strikers to consider the impact of their actions on other workers and tourists, calling for continued negotiations between companies and workers.
In France, frequent air traffic control strikes have caused delays and limited flights across the country, adding to airspace congestion in Europe. Ryanair canceled more than 900 flights in June, mainly due to French ATC strikes.
In Spain, pilots at Iberia Regional Air Nostrum have been striking since February 27, escalating to a daily indefinite strike from June 6 amid a pay dispute.
The strikes coincide with a record heatwave, with 16 cities in Italy issuing red alerts as temperatures soar to at least 40 degrees Celsius in Rome and up to 48 degrees Celsius in the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The extreme heat poses risks even for healthy individuals, prompting authorities to advise people in alert areas to avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 6 pm.
