Pilots, baggage handlers, air traffic control - when they strike, it can throw your whole trip off track.
We're keeping tabs on what's planned and when, so you're not finding out at the airport - flip-flops on, passport in hand, already daydreaming about your first poolside snooze.
We aim to keep this list as up to date as we can. But strikes can be announced (or called off) with little notice, so don't rely on this page alone.
It's always best to check directly with your airline or airport before you travel - they'll have the most up-to-date info on strike action.
UK airport strikes happening now
There are no UK airport strikes currently planned.
Airline strikes happening now
Finnair staff have planned strikes on June 17th and 19th. For more information visit the Finnair website or contact the airline directly.
Will I be covered by an airport or airline strike on my travel insurance?
It depends who's walking out.
If it's airline staff on strike, like pilots or cabin crew, your travel policy probably won't cover you. That's because the airline is responsible for sorting things out, not your insurer.
But if it's airport staff causing the chaos (think baggage handlers or security), that's when your travel insurance might step in. Not all policies cover strike-related disruption, but if yours does, it could help with costs like a new place to stay or alternative travel.
Have a skim through the 'covered reasons' bit in your policy papers. It might be listed under travel disruption, industrial action, or strike cover - insurers love a label.
To claim, you'll usually need to:
- Have bought your policy before the strike was announced
- Be checked in before the strike kicked off
If you tick both boxes, get in touch with your insurer as soon as you can. And hang on to any documents - receipts, confirmations, flight changes, anything the airport or airline has given you. It could be the difference between getting money back or missing out.
What do I do if my flight is cancelled due to a strike?
If your flight's been cancelled or delayed because of strike action - there's clear steps to take (especially if you're hoping to claim compensation later).
Here's what to do right away:
- Speak to the airline. Head straight to the desk or check their app. Ask for written confirmation that the disruption was due to strike action.
- Keep everything. Receipts, boarding passes, emails, flight updates - hang onto them all. They'll help support your case, whether you're claiming through the airline or your insurer.
- Cover your costs. If you've had to pay for food, transport, or overnight accommodation, keep the receipts. You might be able to claim these back through the airline or your insurer.
Top tip: Hang on to any communication from the airline - even those "your flight has changed" emails. They might tip the balance in your favour when it comes to getting reimbursed.
How to claim compensation for an airport or airline strike
The rules can vary depending on who's striking - and that can make a big difference to what you're owed.
Claiming compensation for an airline strike
If the strike involves the airline's own staff - like pilots - and your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or delayed over 3 hours, you could be owed compensation.
Start by contacting the airline directly. Most have an online claims form. You'll need things like your booking reference, flight details and written confirmation that strike action was the cause.
How much you get depends on the flight - but on average, you could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation. It all comes down to distance, route and airline.
If you've followed the steps and still aren't getting anywhere, don't give up - you can escalate your case to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Claiming compensation for an airport strike
If the disruption was caused by airport staff, like air traffic control - it's classed as an 'extraordinary circumstance'. And that means the airline doesn't have to offer you compensation.
But as we've mentioned, this is where your travel insurance might step in.
If your policy includes strike cover, you might be able to claim back costs for cancelled hotels, new transport, or missed connections. Just make sure the policy was bought before the strike was announced, and that you were checked in before the disruption began.
Still not sure if you're covered? No worries. Give your insurer a call or check your policy docs.
Your rights during airline and airport strikes
Whether it's airline crew or airport staff - you've got rights if your journey is delayed or cancelled because of strikes.
Here's what airlines are expected to offer if your flight is disrupted:
- Transportation between the airport and your hotel
- Hotel accommodation (if you're stuck overnight)
- Food and drinks voucher to use in the airport
- Phone calls or texts - even these could be refunded
This isn't just a goodwill gesture - it's UK law.
These rights apply if your flight is:
- Leaving from a UK airport (on any airline)
- Landing in the UK on a UK or EU airline
- Landing in the EU on a UK airline
Your delay must also hit one of these thresholds below:
- 2+ hours for short-haul flights (under 1,500km)
- 3+ hours for medium-haul flights (1,500-3,000km)
- 4+ hours for long-haul flights (over 3,500km)
If your flight's cancelled, the airline should offer you a choice of:
- A refund within 7 days (plus a return flight to your departure airport)
- Or to be re-routed under similar conditions
Even if the disruption is caused by airport staff, your airline still has a duty of care. That means they should offer essentials like food, drink and overnight accommodation if you're delayed at the airport.
If these aren't provided, buy what you need and keep the receipts - you might be able to claim the costs back later. And if you've got travel insurance that includes strike action, it could help with anything the airline doesn't cover.
You can find out more about your care and assistance rights on GOV.UK.
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