Britons warned as Italy, Portugal and Spain face major transport disruptions over festive period

Europe faces widespread transport disruption over the festive period and into January, with multiple countries experiencing strikes across rail, air and public transport networks.

Workers across the continent are taking industrial action over various disputes including pay, working conditions and privatisation concerns.

The wave of strikes is set to affect millions of holiday travellers, with actions planned in France, Portugal, Italy and the UK.

French rail services face significant disruption throughout the Christmas period, with no fixed end date for the industrial action that began on December 11.

The country’s four major railway unions are protesting against SNCF’s increasing privatisation of regional railway routes.

Both high-speed TGV and international services are affected, along with regional TER routes.

Passengers are advised to check services 48 hours before travel to avoid any disruptions.

Portuguese airports are also bracing for major flight delays during the festive period, with two 24-hour strikes planned.

The industrial action will run from midnight on December 24 to December 25, and from midnight on December 31, 2024 until January 1, 2025.

The strikes involve Portway ground handling staff, with unions citing dissatisfaction over pay and allowances.

Italy faces nationwide transport disruption on January 10 with a four-hour national public transport strike called by the FAISA-CONFAIL union.

The action will affect buses, trams, commuter trains, water buses and metro lines across Italian cities, though long-distance rail and taxis are expected to operate normally.

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Further disruption is expected in Florence, with railway strikes on January 12 and a 24-hour tram strike on January 25.

In the UK, Avanti West Coast train workers will strike on New Year’s Eve and January 2 in a dispute over rest day pay.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) action will cause delays on the West Coast Main Line.

Further disruption is expected as strikes are planned for every Sunday between January 12 and May 25.