Published on January 24, 2026
In 2026, a wave of strikes across Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other European nations is set to disrupt travel on an unprecedented scale, causing significant challenges for tourists and locals alike. These strikes, primarily affecting rail services, airports, and public transport, stem from ongoing disputes over workers’ rights, pay, and working conditions in key industries. As the disruptions spread throughout the continent, travellers planning to visit Europe need to prepare for potential delays, cancellations, and alternative travel arrangements.
In early 2026, Europe is facing a wave of travel disruptions caused by widespread strikes across several countries. The strikes, involving transport, rail, and airport workers, have triggered chaos in some of the most visited destinations in Europe. Belgium, a popular destination for British holidaymakers, is uniting with countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and others, to disrupt European travel and pose challenges for tourists and locals alike. With strikes expected to continue into early 2026, travellers need to be aware of the potential disruptions and take necessary precautions. In this article, we explore the latest updates on strikes across Europe, their impact on travel, and offer advice for affected travellers.

The latest disruption comes from Belgium, where a national rail strike is set to paralyse the country’s transport network. Belgium’s famous tourist destinations like Brussels, known for its museums, and Bruges, famous for its medieval charm and chocolate, could be affected. British holidaymakers who were planning trips to these locations should prepare for delays and cancellations, particularly on the rail network.
Belgium’s strike action comes after a series of similar disruptions across Europe. Countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain are not far behind in announcing their own transport strikes, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding travel in 2026. With national strike action becoming an ongoing issue in Europe, it’s essential for travellers to remain updated and consider alternative travel options.

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Let’s take a closer look at the strikes across each of the affected countries:

1. Belgium – National Rail Strikes (January 25 to January 30, 2026)

Belgium is currently experiencing nationwide rail strikes scheduled to start from January 25 and run until January 30, 2026. These strikes will affect various transport services, including international connections like Eurostar. The disruption is expected to impact travellers commuting through major rail hubs in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege, along with Belgium’s local train services. Travellers who planned to visit Belgium for its winter attractions should be aware that train delays and cancellations could severely affect their travel plans.

• Strike period: January 25 – January 30, 2026
• Impacted areas: National and international train services, local public transport

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Travellers should check with local authorities, keep an eye on news updates, and contact their train operators for the latest updates. Belgium’s international airports, including Brussels Airport, may also see increased congestion as passengers divert to air travel.

2. Germany – Widespread Airport Strikes (January 14, 2026)

Germany faced a major disruption in mid-January 2026 with airport workers and ground handling staff at major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin participating in a strike action. Over 3400 flights were cancelled, affecting around half a million passengers. The strikes were part of a broader issue concerning the working conditions and pay of ground staff and baggage handlers.

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Although the January 14 strike has already passed, further walkouts in 2026 cannot be ruled out as union disputes continue. Travel disruptions at airports are expected to remain, with delays likely for passengers flying to and from Germany. Airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings had to cancel flights due to these strikes.

• Strike date: January 14, 2026
• Impacted areas: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin airports
• Striking sector: Ground handling, baggage handling, airport staff

3. Italy – Rail, Airport, and Public Transport Strikes (January 9-10, 2026)

Italy has also experienced significant disruptions in early January 2026. Rail workers, airline crew, and public transport staff across major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples participated in nationwide strikes. These strikes primarily focused on pay raises and working conditions, and their impact was felt across Italy’s airports, train stations, and local public transport systems.
Additionally, January 9-10, marked the start of Italy’s two-day rail strike, which affected passengers on long-distance and high-speed routes between cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice. Airport services were also severely impacted, with flight delays and cancellations reported at Fiumicino and Malpensa airports.

• Strike dates: January 9-10, 2026
• Impacted areas: Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, Fiumicino, Malpensa
• Striking sectors: Rail, airline crew, public transport workers

4. Spain – National Rail Strike (February 9-11, 2026)

Spain is preparing for a nationwide rail strike that will affect Spanish rail services from February 9-11, 2026. This disruption will affect train services connecting major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. The strike is part of an ongoing dispute over labour conditions and is expected to impact international travellers and locals alike.

• Strike dates: February 9-11, 2026
• Impacted areas: National rail services, international connections
• Striking sector: Train drivers, railway employees

Comprehensive Strike Breakdown for Major European Countries in 2026: What You Need to Know About Travel Disruptions

Advice for Travellers Affected by Strikes

1. Stay Updated:
Travellers should monitor local news and check with their airline, train, or bus operator for real-time updates on disruptions. Strikes in Europe are often announced with little notice, so it’s crucial to stay informed.
2. Consider Alternative Routes:
For travellers planning to use train services, consider switching to flights or long-distance buses if possible. This may help avoid the risk of delays or cancellations.
3. Prepare for Delays:
If you are travelling during a strike period, ensure you have a buffer period built into your travel plans for any potential delays. Book flexible tickets where possible.
4. Know Your Rights:
In case of significant delays or cancellations, know your passenger rights under European regulations. Airlines and rail services are obligated to offer compensation or rerouting in case of extended delays.
The travel disruptions caused by strikes in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain are likely to continue causing significant impact on passengers throughout 2026. With ongoing negotiations and frequent walkouts, Europe’s rail and transport systems are under strain. While travellers can’t fully avoid these disruptions, staying informed, having backup plans, and remaining patient will help mitigate the stress of these travel challenges.
In 2026, Belgium unites with Germany, Italy, Spain, and more nations in Europe as widespread strikes disrupt rail, airports, and transport due to ongoing disputes over workers’ rights, pay, and conditions, causing significant travel delays and cancellations.
Europe remains one of the most popular tourist destinations, and these strikes, although disruptive, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the region’s transport workers. It’s important to keep in mind that strike actions, while inconvenient, often reflect deeper issues concerning workers’ rights and working conditions in crucial industries like transport and aviation. Whether it’s planning your trip around these disruptions or opting for alternative modes of transport, travellers need to stay flexible and proactive in the face of these ongoing challenges.

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Tags: Airport Travel Delays, Europe Travel Disruptions, European transport strikes, strikes 2026

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