Strike risks in Europe this February

Feb 03 2026 Travel trends

February is a high-risk month for air travel in Europe. Labour negotiations typically intensify after the start of the year, while airlines and airports operate with reduced winter capacity. Even short strikes can therefore trigger widespread delays and cancellations.

This February, several confirmed and expected strike actions may again disrupt flights across Europe.

Germany: Disruption risk around airport access

In Germany, unresolved labour disputes continue in the public transport and airport services sector. Warning strikes affecting local public transport are planned for 2 February, which may significantly complicate access to major airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Düsseldorf.

While no nationwide airport strike has yet been confirmed for later in February, past experience shows that escalation involving airport security or ground handling staff can occur at short notice.

Strikes across Europe in February

Germany isn’t alone. Across the continent, unions are using strike action to increase pressure during the winter timetable.

Italy (2–3, 16, 27–28 February): Regional rail strikes on 2–3 February and a 24-hour nationwide rail strike on 27–28 February are expected to disrupt airport connections. On 16 February, a nationwide aviation-related strike by airline staff and airport ground personnel is planned, likely to affect flights at major hubs including Rome and Milan.

Spain (9–11 February): Multi-day rail strikes are scheduled, putting pressure on transport links to key airports. Even where flights are not cancelled, passengers may face delays reaching the airport and increased risk of missed departures.

France: Air traffic control unions have repeatedly signalled readiness to strike if negotiations stall. No fixed dates have been confirmed for February yet, but even short ATC walkouts could force airlines to cancel or reroute flights across large parts of Europe.

Belgium: Nationwide and sectoral strikes are often announced at short notice. While no specific aviation strike dates are officially set for February, any walkout by airport staff or public transport workers could quickly ripple across neighbouring countries’ airspace.

Passenger rights in the event of strikes

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passenger rights depend on who is striking:

External strikes (air traffic control, airport security, ground handlers): compensation is excluded, but airlines must still provide care such as meals, accommodation, re-routing, or refunds.

Airline staff strikes (pilots, cabin crew, airline-employed ground staff): compensation may be payable, depending on the circumstances.

Even when compensation is excluded, passengers can often reclaim out-of-pocket expenses if care was not provided.

How MYFLYRIGHT can help

If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed due to strike action, MYFLYRIGHT checks free of charge what the airline still owes you under EU air passenger law. This includes reimbursement for meals, hotel accommodation, and ground transport, as well as refunds or re-routing.

If the disruption involves the airline’s own staff, we also assess compensation eligibility. You provide your documents, we handle the legal assessment and enforcement end to end.

No upfront costs. A fee applies only if your claim succeeds.