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FCO: Holiday travel: Strikes

20th December 2011 The UK Foreign Office have released the following update:

Strikes in some European countries could affect travel during the holidays. Check our advice before you set off.

departure board at Athens international airport is pictured with a metal advertising placard in the foreground on April 19, 2010. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images.

Belgium

A general strike is planned in Belgium for Thursday 22 December. The 24 hour strike will affect public transport and the rail system will stop operating from 10pm local time on Wednesday 21 December whilst other public services such as the metro will shut down on Thursday. Eurostar will be unable to operate services to and from Brussels during this period.

Travel advice for Belgium

Spain

The union representing pilots at Iberia Airlines has called for strikes on 29 December. Passengers are advised to check with the airline if they are due to travel on those days.
The latest information on the strikes and affected flights is available on the Iberia website. You can also follow them on Twitter.

Travel advice for Spain

France

Strike action by airport security staff is affecting flights to/from France. Check with your airline or travel company and allow plenty of time to get through security. Regular updates are being posted on the Twitter channel of the two main Paris airports and Lyon airport’s facebook page.

Travel advice for France

Portugal

TAP Air Portugal pilots have threatened to go on strike between 3-6 January 2012. If the strike goes ahead, it may affect your travel plans. Be prepared for delays and keep in touch with the airline or travel company for advice on the options available to you.

Travel advice for Portugal

Tunisia

A 24-hour strike at Enfida Airport is planned for 21 December. You should contact your airline before travelling. Reports suggest the will involve Ground Agents and Airport Staff at Enfida Airport. There are plans to blockade all roads into and out of the airport to cause maximum disruption.