Travelers bound for Europe within the next week should pack their patience and keep their airline app sending push notifications. Ground Staff Strikes in Italy, Portugal, and SpainIn Italy, ground staff at Volotea have announced a strike action for September 26, so travelers on that airline should check their flight status before heading to the airport. Baggage handlers and other ground staff have also planned strikes in Spain and Portugal in several periods through at least January 2026. Air travelers bound for Europe can request compensation from their airline if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to circumstances within the airline’s control. Consumer protection regulations (EU 261) in Europe consider strikes by airline or contracted staff to be within the airline’s control, but not strikes by air traffic control or security staff.