In the coming months, Europe is expected to see massive flight cancellations due to planned strikes. Such changes can significantly affect passenger travel. Here's what travelers should expect and how to get compensation for flight cancelations

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Flight cancellations and strikes that will take place in Europe in the coming months could have a significant impact on passenger travel. According to Reuters, the European travel industry is currently on high alert for disruptions as passenger numbers around the world recover to pre-pandemic levels.

One of the potential threats is a strike by air traffic controllers in the EU. Specialists have announced their intention to strike during the summer due to conflicts with management over working conditions, working hours, and personnel issues. This could lead to delays and cancellations of flights on the continent, up to a third of all daily air travel.

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Cancellation of easyJet flights

European air traffic control centers plan to handle up to 33,000 flights a day over the next eight weeks. However, due to threats of strikes, there may be obstacles to summer flights.

In particular, EasyJet has already announced the cancellation of about 1,700 flights until September 2023. This situation is especially true for flights to or from London Gatwick Airport. 

Italy: reasons for flight cancelations

In Italy, as usual in the summer, there may be strikes in public transport, but exceptions are provided for air transport from July 27 to September 5. No other strikes are currently planned in Italy, but it is recommended to check the situation before traveling.

Spain: indefinite strike in Barcelona

In Spain, security personnel at Barcelona-El Prat airport have announced an indefinite strike starting August 10. According to the plan, the strikes will be held during peak hours from Thursday to Monday between 4-7 am and 9-11 am and 4-6 pm. This may lead to delays in security checks, so passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel.

It is recommended to follow the updates and prepare for possible inconveniences when planning your trip.

Strikes at Portuguese airports

Four unions representing ground handling workers at Portuguese airports have announced strikes. The first strike is scheduled for July 30-31 and August 5-6.  

Other strikes are scheduled for July 19 (for an indefinite period) and on holidays from August 1 again for an indefinite period.

Cancellation of air and rail flights in the UK

The Unite trade union in the UK has announced an extension of the strike by security guards at London Heathrow Airport over unsatisfactory wages. As part of the "summer discord", more than 2,000 workers will strike for an extended period from June 24 to August 27, which coincides with the increased passenger traffic during the summer tourist season. 

The exact dates of the strikes include June 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30, July 14-16, 21-24, 28-31, and August 4-7, 11-14, 18-20 and 24-27. These strikes could significantly disrupt travel for millions of people using Heathrow during these periods.

In addition, an indefinite strike will begin at Birmingham Airport on August 15. This could lead to the cancellation of flights by airlines such as TUI, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa and Emirates, which could cause inconvenience to passengers and cause delays.

Also, on the UK railways, drivers have announced a new strike from July 31 to August 5 as part of "no strike action". Members of the RMT and Aslef unions in 15 railroad companies will refuse to work overtime, which could lead to changes in schedules and service cuts. This could lead to the cancellation of hundreds of trains every day, and will also affect most of London's suburban lines and major rail operators such as Avanti West Coast, LNER and CrossCountry.

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How do I know if my flight is canceled?

You can find out if your flight has been canceled by following these steps:

1. Check your email: If there are any changes to your reservation, the airline should send you an email. Check your inbox, including your spam folder, for a message from the airline.

2. Check the airline's website or app: Go to your airline's website or use the airline's mobile app to check the status of your reservation and flight schedule. Here you can find up-to-date information about flight changes.

3. Call customer service: If you have any doubts or don't know how to check the status of your flight, call the airline's customer service. Their contact details are usually listed on their website.

4. Check the airport's website: Visit the website or use the mobile app of the airport from which your flight is scheduled to depart. It may also provide information about changes in the flight schedule.

What should I do if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled, the airline must offer you an alternative flight. You can get tickets for a flight that departs a little earlier or later than planned. 

If the airline does not have an alternative flight, you should contact them to receive compensation or choose another route with another airline.

Important! It is always recommended to keep all receipts and contact the airline to receive confirmation of the replacement flight and other details of compensation. The best solution is to check your flight status and information about flight changes in advance.

How do I get compensation for a canceled flight? 

In some cases, you may be able to claim compensation for a canceled or delayed flight. However, the rules and conditions for compensation vary depending on the airline and the laws of the country where the flight is taking place. It's best to check your booking conditions and your airline's policies on flight cancellation or delay compensation.

Here are some general guidelines:

- Flight cancellation: If your flight is canceled, you are usually guaranteed a full refund. Also, some airlines may offer an alternative flight or rescheduling. Some countries and regions, such as the European Union, may also have rules about compensation for flight cancellations, especially if the cancellation occurs a long time before the scheduled departure.

- Flight delay: In some cases, particularly in the EU, passengers may be entitled to compensation for a flight delay of three or more hours, depending on the length of the flight and other factors.

- Provision of services in case of flight rescheduling: If your flight is rescheduled to another day, the airline may provide free accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel. If you booked your own accommodation and transportation, you can also claim compensation for these costs.

To find out more about passenger rights in case of flight cancellation or delay, we recommend that you visit your airline's official website and read the terms and conditions of your reservation.

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