Christmas travel strikes: Train and airport disruption set to impact Britons this December

A wave of transport strikes look set to disrupt Christmas travel plans across Europe, with multiple walkouts threatening chaos for millions of passengers during one of the busiest periods of the year.

French rail unions began an indefinite strike today affecting Paris and surrounding regions, while Italian railways face a 24-hour stoppage tomorrow.

Further disruption looms with Italian aviation strikes planned for December 15, particularly affecting Milan’s three major airports.

In the UK, Avanti West Coast passengers face pre-Christmas strikes, while Edinburgh Airport braces for a 19-day fuel tanker strike starting next week.

The industrial actions are expected to put significant pressure on alternative transport routes during the festive season.

The CGT and Sud-Rail unions launched their indefinite strike action at 7pm today, primarily affecting train services in the Ile-de-France region around Paris.

The walkout comes in response to proposed reforms of the SNCF freight division, with significant disruption expected on the RER suburban express network.

Trains that continue to operate are likely to face severe overcrowding

Eurostar has warned of potential schedule changes, stating: “We’re currently assessing how our timetable will be impacted if the strike goes ahead.”

The indefinite nature of the strike adds uncertainty for travellers planning journeys through Paris during the festive period.

Italian railways face major disruption as Trenitalia staff prepare for a 24-hour strike starting at 9pm tomorrow.

The industrial action will severely impact public transport in major cities, with Rome and Milan’s buses and metro services expected to face significant disruption throughout most of Thursday.

Further travel chaos looms on Sunday, December 15, with aviation strikes set to hit Italy’s transport network.

Ground handlers and air traffic controllers at Milan’s three airports – Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo – will stage walkouts during Sunday afternoon.

Airlines are attempting to adjust schedules, though cancellations are expected both in advance and on the day.

Catania airport in Sicily may also face disruption during the aviation strikes.

Avanti West Coast passengers face significant disruption as train managers plan strikes on December 22, 23 and 29 in a dispute over rest-day working pay.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our members have had enough, and this strike action demonstrates their determination to win a fair deal.”

Avanti West Coast expressed disappointment, stating: “We are disappointed RMT have voted to decline the very reasonable offer made to them to resolve the rest-day-working dispute.”

Most services connecting London with Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow will be cancelled on strike days.

Passengers with existing tickets can travel on alternative dates, with flexible arrangements extending from December 16 to January 3.

The strikes will increase pressure on parallel routes operated by London Northwestern, Chiltern, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express.

Edinburgh Airport faces a 19-day strike by fuel tanker drivers employed by North Air, starting from 5am on December 18 until January 6.

Unite union warns the action could impact prestigious routes including United Airlines to New York and Emirates to Dubai, along with Loganair’s domestic services.

However, the airport’s contingency plans suggest minimal disruption, as North Air is just one of five fuelling companies operating there.

British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair passengers will be unaffected as they use different fuel suppliers.

Edinburgh Airport expressed disappointment, stating: “We are disappointed that the two parties cannot reach a solution and urge them to continue discussions.”

Loganair services are likely to continue normally by refuelling at alternative airports.