Air travel across Europe has been thrown into chaos as strikes in Germany and Italy lead to massive flight disruptions. In Germany, a 24-hour strike has crippled operations at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports, forcing widespread cancellations and delays. Meanwhile, in Italy, pilots and cabin crew from EasyJet and Aeroitalia have staged a four-hour walkout, causing further turmoil for passengers traveling within and beyond the country.

With thousands of travelers affected, long queues at airports, and potential knock-on effects across Europe’s aviation network, both strikes are creating a perfect storm of travel disruptions, leaving passengers scrambling to rearrange their plans.

With thousands of passengers affected and flight schedules thrown into chaos, travelers across Europe are experiencing major delays, rebookings, and last-minute cancellations.

German Airport Strikes Cripple Cologne-Bonn and Düsseldorf

In Germany, the 24-hour strike is being led by the Verdi trade union, which represents thousands of airport workers demanding an 8% wage increase and improved working conditions. The strike, which began on Sunday, 23 February, and continues into Monday, 24 February, is expected to cause significant delays and cancellations for travelers flying to and from these major airports.

Which Airlines and Routes Are Affected?

Flights operated by British Airways, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Emirates, EasyJet, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and KLM are among those disrupted. These airlines connect Cologne-Bonn and Düsseldorf airports with major European and international destinations.

• Cologne-Bonn Airport connects to London Stansted, London Heathrow, Bristol, and Manchester.
• Düsseldorf Airport serves London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, and Birmingham, along with numerous global destinations.

Due to the high volume of flights at these airports, the strike is causing mass cancellations, long wait times, and disruptions to connecting flights across Europe.

EasyJet and Aeroitalia Walkout Disrupts Italian Air Travel

While German airports are struggling with a 24-hour labor strike, Italian air travel is facing additional turbulence due to a four-hour airline strike impacting EasyJet and Aeroitalia flights.

The strike, which takes place on Monday, 24 February, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM local time, is backed by several major Italian unions, including:

• The National Association of Civil Aviation Professionals (ANPCA)
• The Italian Federation of Transport Workers (FILT)
• The Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL)

This nationwide walkout by pilots and cabin crews is expected to cause cancellations and delays across Italy’s major airports, affecting both domestic and international routes.

Which Flights Are Affected in Italy?

EasyJet is one of Italy’s largest low-cost carriers, and Aeroitalia operates several domestic and international flights, meaning the strike’s impact will be widespread. Although the exact number of affected flights is unknown, passengers flying to and from Italy on this date should expect possible cancellations or schedule changes.

Both airlines have confirmed that affected passengers will be notified via email and SMS. EasyJet is advising travelers to check its Flight Tracker tool or mobile app for real-time updates. Aeroitalia has also stated that it will provide quick notifications and rebooking options for impacted flights.

Public Transport Strike in Italy Could Worsen Delays

Adding to the travel chaos in Italy, a public transport strike is also planned for Monday, 24 February, which could make it harder for passengers to reach major airports. Travelers relying on buses, trains, and metro services should anticipate delays and consider alternative transportation options if traveling to or from airports.

Even for flights that are not canceled, the public transport disruptions may increase travel time, so passengers should arrive at airports early to avoid missing their flights.

How Long Will the Disruptions Last?

• The German airport strike will last 24 hours but could have a longer-lasting impact as airlines work to reschedule flights and manage delays.
• The EasyJet and Aeroitalia strike in Italy will last only four hours, but delays may continue into the evening hours, especially if there are scheduling issues.

Since both Germany and Italy are experiencing strikes on the same day, the impact on European travel is expected to be significant, with potential delays spreading beyond the affected countries.

What Should Passengers Do?

If you are traveling with British Airways, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Emirates, EasyJet, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, or Aeroitalia, here’s what you should do:

• Check your flight status frequently – Airlines will update their schedules as the strikes continue.
• Contact your airline for rebooking or refund options if your flight is affected.
• Arrive early at the airport – Security and check-in lines may be longer due to widespread disruptions.
• Monitor public transport delays in Italy if you rely on buses or trains to reach the airport.
• Know your passenger rights – If your flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, you may be eligible for compensation under EU regulations.

Will There Be More Strikes?

The Verdi trade union in Germany is engaged in ongoing wage negotiations, with the next negotiation round set for 14 March. If an agreement is not reached, further airport worker strikes may follow, leading to additional travel disruptions in Germany.

In Italy, tensions within the aviation sector remain high, meaning more airline strikes could be possible in the coming weeks.

The combination of Germany’s 24-hour airport strike and Italy’s four-hour airline walkout has thrown European travel into chaos, leading to canceled flights, delays, and frustrated travelers. With Cologne-Bonn and Düsseldorf airports crippled by labor action and EasyJet and Aeroitalia flights disrupted across Italy, passengers are advised to stay informed and make contingency plans.

With the potential for more labor disputes ahead, European travelers should remain vigilant, monitor airline updates, and prepare for further disruptions in the coming months.

The post Europe Faces New Travel Chaos as Strikes Cripple Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn Airports in Germany, While an EasyJet and Aeroitalia Walkout Disrupts Flights in Italy appeared first on Travel And Tour World.