By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 16, 2025
As Europe gears up for one of its busiest travel periods of the year, a wave of strikes is threatening to bring transportation across the continent to a near standstill, with consequences for both passenger mobility and cargo logistics. From French rail networks to UK airport services, coordinated labor action is already straining infrastructure as the Easter holiday season begins.
“This is shaping up to be one of the most disruptive Easter periods in over a decade,” said François Letellier, a transportation analyst with Paris-based firm EuroLogix.
France: Rail Network at Risk
In France, the Sud Rail union has filed formal strike notices targeting SNCF train controllers and station managers. The strikes are planned intermittently over the next two weeks, with peak action set for April 18–21, just as millions of travelers prepare to head to vacation destinations.
Rail freight operators are also preparing contingency plans, with some rerouting cargo onto trucks or holding shipments in regional hubs.
“It’s a double blow—passenger delays are one issue, but freight holds impact manufacturers and retailers on tight inventory timelines,” said Claire Dumont, logistics director at a leading French retail chain.
United Kingdom: Airport Ground Crews Walk Out
In the UK, more than 100 ground handling employees at London Gatwick Airport are scheduled to strike in protest over pension reforms. The action, organized by the Unite union, could affect baggage handling, aircraft turnaround times, and gate operations during a critical week for international travel.
Gatwick Airport has warned of flight delays and possible cancellations, especially for short-haul European routes. Freight forwarders have also been advised of potential disruptions to air cargo flows, particularly express shipments.
Broader Labor Discontent
The actions are part of a broader wave of discontent across Europe’s transportation sector. In Germany, regional transport workers are threatening strike action unless wage negotiations progress before the end of April. Meanwhile, Spanish port unions have indicated potential slowdowns over automation concerns.
Unions cite inflation, pension uncertainty, and digitalization-related job insecurity as common threads across the movement.
Conclusion
From rail hubs to runways, Europe’s transportation arteries are under strain. For travelers and logistics providers alike, resilience planning and real-time communication will be key to managing the coming disruptions. As Easter looms, what’s typically a season of movement may instead become a period of delay, negotiation, and recalibration.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent at The Logistic News, covering transport infrastructure, labor disputes, and cross-border mobility in Europe and beyond.
