France, Italy, Spain Join UK, Netherlands, and Belgium in Rail, Airport, and Public Transport Strike Set to Derail Your Travel Plans in June - Here's What You Need to Know

A summer holiday in Europe for UK, US, Canada, Mexico and China tourists should mean sun, culture, and unforgettable memories. But for thousands of UK, US, Canada, Mexico and China travelers in 2025, it may instead bring delays, cancellations, and chaos.

And the timeline is ticking fast.

This matters more than ever in a year where France expects a sharp rebound in tourism. Rail services are a lifeline for domestic and international travelers alike, and these strikes are poised to cause severe delays and cancellations across key routes.

Public transport strikes will ripple across Genoa, Sardinia, Florence, Bolzano, La Spezia, Naples, and Milan, causing unpredictability in metro, tram, and bus operations. Airports in Venice and Milan are also under pressure, with planned industrial action among ground and security staff.

Moreover, short-haul flights, connections between cities, and local excursions could all be affected. For tour operators and travel agencies, rescheduling could become a logistical nightmare. For travelers, a dream vacation may turn into a last-minute scramble.

Back in the UK, travel strikes are heating up with mounting tensions over pay.

With airports under stress and train workers limiting hours, seamless travel within the UK is beginning to look increasingly unlikely.

Travelers affected by flight cancellations due to strikes are entitled to alternative transport, rerouting, or accommodation. However, rail and ferry passengers have fewer protections, which could leave some without support during disruptions.

Tourists planning multi-city itineraries, especially those connecting between countries via train or ferry, should build in buffer days and stay alert to changing schedules. Flexibility will be key.

Airlines are under pressure to maintain punctuality and service levels. Rail operators are facing demands for better staffing, pay increases, and safer working conditions. Airport teams, stretched thin by rising passenger numbers, want improved compensation and support.

And with global tourism near pre-pandemic levels, every disruption is magnified.

Tour operators, travel agencies, and major airlines are issuing advisories, updating itineraries, and strengthening communication with customers. Many are urging travelers to opt for flexible bookings and travel insurance that covers strike-related delays.

Hotels in strike-affected cities are also adapting. Some are waiving cancellation fees or offering extended check-in windows to accommodate late arrivals. Others are coordinating with local transport providers to help guests navigate disrupted areas.

If you're heading to Europe this summer:

Being proactive now could save you hours of stress later.

By building stronger contingency plans, investing in labor relations, and increasing communication with passengers, the travel industry can turn this period of disruption into a pivot point for long-term resilience.

In the meantime, travelers need to stay smart, alert, and flexible.

Transport strikes are spreading across major European destinations, causing anxiety for millions of travelers. From France and Italy to the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, strikes by rail workers, airport staff, and public transport crews are disrupting one of the busiest travel seasons in recent memory.

If you're planning to hop on a TGV or regional train to Paris, Lyon, or Nice, prepare for cancellations and long waits. Even Eurostar passengers heading into France from the UK should keep a close eye on schedules.

In Belgium, airport staff plan to strike at Brussels Airport on June 20, likely impacting both domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, travel authorities are preparing for potential transport walkouts affecting rail and ferry operations. Specific dates remain fluid, but tension is mounting.

Although not facing major strikes, Spain is seeing massive delays due to air traffic control issues. Ryanair has reported over 11,500 delayed flights, disrupting the travel plans of more than 2 million passengers already this season.

If you're traveling in Europe this June, check your flight and train statuses daily, book flexible accommodations, and consider alternative travel options. Download apps for real-time transport alerts, and allow plenty of buffer time between connections.