Strikes and flight cancellations in September 2025: which countries will be most affected

In September 2025, mass strikes are planned in some EU countries, which will affect flights across Europe. Find out which airports will be affected, what rights passengers have, and how to prepare for travel without risk

Book bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world

BUY

Travelers should be especially vigilant in September 2025: large-scale strikes by air traffic controllers and airline ground staff in France and Spain could significantly affect passengers' plans. Flight cancellations and delays threaten not only domestic transport, but also international routes passing through these countries.

Air traffic controllers' strike in France: details

France's largest air traffic controllers' union, SNCTA, which represents about 60% of employees in this sector, has announced a 24-hour strike. According to Euronews, it will last from the morning of September 18 to the end of September 19.

The reason for this is a crisis of trust between the union and the French civil aviation authority. According to SNCTA representatives, dialogue with management has long reached an impasse, and management practices are characterized by “punitive methods and a humiliating attitude.” The union emphasizes that the strike is a last resort, preceded by repeated attempts to reach an agreement.

The stoppage is expected to affect most of the country's airports, including Charles de Gaulle in Paris, and will impact hundreds of flights. This includes not only flights between France and other countries, but also transit flights from Italy, Spain, and the UK that pass through French airspace.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Long-term Ryanair strike in Spain

The strike at Ryanair will be even more extensive. From August until the end of 2025, the ground staff of Azul Handling, which serves the airline in Spain, will stop work according to a special schedule. According to Euronews, the strike will last a total of 76 days, including peak airport hours.

The work stoppage schedule is as follows: every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and from 9:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

The strike will affect 12 Spanish airports where Ryanair has permanent bases: Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife, and Valencia.

Airports without a permanent base are not formally affected by the strike, but they will also experience delays due to the impact on the airline's operations.

Can I get compensation for a delayed or canceled flight?

Under European regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation of €250, €400, or €600, depending on the flight distance. In addition, customers can request a refund for the cost of tickets, compensation for additional expenses (hotel, transportation, connecting flights), or a change of route within seven days.

If the airline refuses to comply with the requirements, passengers can contact consumer protection organizations or file a complaint with the relevant state agency.

Tourists planning to travel in September-December 2025 should check the latest information on cancellations and schedule changes in advance. The most convenient way to track and immediately book alternative tickets is through online services.

Tip: To avoid unpleasant surprises, plan your trips in advance. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can book tickets for trains, buses, and planes in Ukraine and abroad. It is convenient, safe, and allows you to quickly check the schedule, choose the most convenient route, or make changes to your booking.

Also, don't forget to purchase travel insurance that covers delays, flight cancellations, and other unforeseen situations. You can also purchase insurance online through Visit Ukraine — this is additional protection for your finances and peace of mind while traveling.

We remind you! The EU has set a date for the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Its gradual implementation in all Schengen countries will begin in the fall. Read about when the new rules will come into effect and what you need to know about this system in our previous article.

Photo: Unsplash

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.