Mice Insights

By Viviane Vaz

MICE INSIGHTS (19 December 2025)

In some locations, it’s highly possible that Santa may arrive late this Christmas. Europe’s aviation network is bracing for disruption over the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year period, as a series of strikes by airline crew and airport ground staff are set to impact flights, baggage handling, and passenger services. The industrial action will affect airlines and major airports in the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

Passengers flying around Christmas Eve and during the post-Christmas travel rush should prepare for longer check-in times, delays, and potential cancellations.

While negotiations remain ongoing in several countries and further updates may still emerge, significant operational impacts across Europe’s aviation network are expected throughout the festive season.

⏰ Event organizers and passengers are advised to:

• 📲 Closely monitor airline notifications and airport updates
• ⏳ Arrive at airports earlier than normal
• 💼 Consider flexible fares and travel insurance
• 🗓️ Build contingency time into event schedules

MICE INSIGHTS has packed all the key info into a handy frame, so you don’t get lost: 

European aviation disruption calendar

Dates	Airports	Airlines	Who	Impact
Dec 22, 23, 24, 26, 2025	🇬🇧 LHR	SAS	Cabin crew (130+)	Flight delays/cancel
Dec 19–22 & Dec 26–29, 2025	🇬🇧 LTN	easyJet	Check-in & baggage	Check-in & baggage delays
Wed–Sun until Dec 31, 2025	🇪🇸 MAD, BCN, AGP, ALC, PMI, TFS, TFN, LPA, ACE, FUE	Ryanair + Azul Handling	Ground staff	Delays & ground disruption
Dec 19, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026	🇵🇹 LIS, OPO, FAO, FNC, TER	TAP, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa + others	Ground staff	Baggage delays & rescheduling
Jan 9, 2026	🇮🇹 FCO, MXP, LIN, VCE, NAP, other regional	ITA + EU & low-cost	Airport & transport staff	Nationwide disruption