Luton Airport strikes hit easyJet flights during peak Christmas travel

Passengers flying with easyJet via London Luton Airport (LTN) during the Christmas period face major disruption. Baggage handlers and check-in staff are planning strike action on several of the busiest travel days of the year, potentially affecting hundreds of flights across Europe.

When will the strikes take place?

Airport staff are planning to strike on six days in December 2025, split into two periods:

• 19 December (03:00) – 22 December (03:00)
• 26 December (03:00) – 29 December (03:00)

These dates coincide with peak Christmas and New Year travel, when airports are already operating at maximum capacity.

Which airlines and flights are affected?

The strike involves baggage handlers and check-in staff working on easyJet flights at London Luton Airport. As a result:

• easyJet flights are most at risk of delays and cancellations
• More than 400 easyJet flights could be affected over the strike period
• Other airlines may experience knock-on delays due to reduced airport staffing

easyJet has announced contingency plans, but significant disruption remains likely.

Why are Luton staff striking?

The workers participating in the strike are responsible for essential ground operations and are directly involved in the handling of easyJet flights. The dispute is about pay differences and working conditions, with staff demanding higher wages in line with rising living costs.

Because these workers are part of the airline’s operational chain, this type of strike is generally considered an internal staff strike under EU law. According to regulation 261 this isn’t an extraordinary circumstance, so there might be a right to compensation.

Do you have the right to compensation?

In many cases, yes.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to an internal airline strike. This can amount to:

• €250 for short-haul flights
• €400 for medium-haul flights
• €600 for long-haul flights

Even if compensation is disputed, passengers still have the right to:

• an alternative flight or a refund
• food and drinks during long delays
• hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required

Flying via Luton this Christmas?

If your flight to or from London Luton Airport is delayed or cancelled, check your eligibility as soon as possible.