Europe airport strikes are piling up in November 2026, and if you're flying there this month, there are a handful of dates worth knowing. France's national strike is underway today, Thursday, Nov. 5, though flights are running close to normal. Next up are Italy's air traffic controllers at Bari on Friday, Spain's 24-hour general strike on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and a three-day run of strikes across Italy from Nov. 20 to 22. On top of that, Naples' airport is closed for the whole month. We've put every date in one place, with links to our full guide for each country, and we'll keep this page updated as strikes get called off, moved or added.
The Dates at a Glance
Through Dec. 31: Azores, Portugal. Ground handling workers for SATA, the Azores' airline group, are reportedly refusing overtime for the rest of the year. That can mean delays at airports like Ponta Delgada, including for passengers connecting from North America.
Thursday, Nov. 5: France. Today's national strike is mostly a problem on the ground. France's aviation authority didn't ask airlines to cut flights, but only about one train in two is running to Charles de Gaulle, so leave extra time to get to the airport. Full details in our France strike guide.
Friday, Nov. 6: Bari, Italy. Air traffic controllers at Bari, the main airport in Puglia, plan to strike from 1 to 5 p.m. local time. Afternoon departures from Bari are the flights most at risk.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Spain. A 24-hour general strike, the first since 2012, is planned across the country. Spain usually sets minimum services that protect a share of flights, and they're expected around Friday, Nov. 6. Train strikes are also reportedly set for the days on either side, which could make getting to the airport harder. Our Spain strike guide will have the minimum services as soon as they're out.
Friday, Nov. 13: Venice and Milan, Italy (ground transport). Venice's ATVO airport buses and Milan's metro, trams and buses are listed for strikes. Flights aren't affected, but getting to the airport could be harder.
Friday, Nov. 20: All of Italy. Italy's largest union has called a nationwide general strike. How much it will affect flights hasn't been set yet, and it kicks off a rough weekend for Italian travel.
Saturday, Nov. 21: All of Italy. This is the big one. Air traffic controllers across Italy plan to strike from 1 to 5 p.m. local time, which can hit every airport in the country, and a national train strike runs from 9 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday. Our Italy strike guide has the details.
Sunday, Nov. 22: Milan Malpensa and Venice, Italy. Controllers at Milan Malpensa are listed for a strike, and security staff at Venice Marco Polo plan to walk out, which could mean very long security lines.
All month: Naples, Italy. Naples' airport is closed until Dec. 1 for runway work, with some flights moved to Rome and Salerno. This isn't a strike, but if your trip to the Amalfi Coast or Pompeii runs through Naples, it matters more than any date above.
Outside Europe this week: Argentina, Friday, Nov. 6. Workers at Argentina's aviation authority plan a 24-hour strike at 27 airports, including both Buenos Aires airports. If you're connecting through Europe to South America, our Argentina strike guide has what to expect.
How to Protect Your Trip
Strikes in Europe get called off a lot, often in the last few days, so don't rebook weeks ahead of time. Check your airline's app the day before you fly instead, since that's usually the first place a cancellation shows up. If you have a choice of flights on a strike day, morning departures are generally the safest bet. In Italy, that's backed by law: flights scheduled to leave between 7 and 10 a.m. and between 6 and 9 p.m. are protected and have to operate.
Air traffic control strikes are the ones that cancel flights. When airport staff such as baggage handlers or security walk out, flights usually still go, but you can expect longer lines and slower bags, so give yourself extra time. And because controllers also handle planes flying overhead, a strike in France can delay a flight between, say, London and Spain that never touches the ground in France.
If Your Flight Is Canceled
If a strike cancels your flight, your airline still has to get you where you're going or give you a refund. That's the rule for flights leaving Europe and for European airlines flying in, and US airlines generally offer the same choice. If you're stuck overnight, airlines flying under European rules also owe you meals and a hotel while you wait.
Extra cash compensation is a different story. Air traffic control strikes usually count as "extraordinary circumstances," so you're unlikely to get the payout of up to €600 that comes with other cancellations. If the airline's own staff go on strike, though, you may be owed it after all.
