Published on
October 1, 2025
As October 2025 ushers in a wave of labor strikes, South Korea joins a growing list of countries, including Canada, Italy, Greece, France, and Brussels, where transportation and public service sectors have been severely impacted. These strikes have led to widespread travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, train delays, and disruptions to metro and bus services, particularly during key travel periods like the Chuseok holiday. With over 5 million passengers expected to use South Korea’s airports and rail systems, travelers need to stay informed about ongoing disruptions and prepare for potential delays across global transportation networks.
In October 2025, a wave of labor strikes has swept across several nations, disrupting transportation networks, public services, and businesses globally. South Korea, along with countries like Canada, Italy, Greece, France, and Brussels, is facing a particularly severe strike season, coinciding with peak travel periods. These strikes have caused significant disruptions, including flight cancellations, delays, public transportation stoppages, and increased congestion. This article explores the details of these strikes, their impact on travel, and the overall risk analysis of these events.
South Korea’s Nationwide Airport Workers’ Strike
On October 1, 2025, a nationwide strike was launched by 2,300 unionized airport workers across South Korea, severely affecting operations at all 15 airports managed by the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC). The workers, represented by the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union, are demanding better pay, increased rest days, and improved working conditions.
The timing of this strike could not be more disruptive. It comes at the height of the Chuseok holiday, one of South Korea’s busiest travel periods. Over 5 million passengers are expected to use domestic airports during this period, with major hubs such as Incheon International Airport (ICN) expecting over 2.45 million travelers. This coincides with the significant outbound travel rush during Chuseok, when many South Koreans take trips abroad to visit family or go on vacations.
The strike is primarily affecting non-security staff responsible for airport maintenance, such as cleaning, managing carts, and overseeing parking lots. Workers in charge of airport security are not participating, so flight operations, including check-in and boarding, continue with minimal disruption. However, passengers are facing delays in check-in processes, baggage handling, and other ground services.
The strike is indefinite and will continue until a resolution is reached between the unions and management. Passengers traveling through South Korean airports during this period are advised to check with their airlines for updates and arrive well in advance to account for potential delays.
Global Strikes: Other Countries Affected in October 2025
South Korea’s labor unrest is part of a larger global wave of strikes. Countries like Canada, Italy, Greece, France, and Belgium are also experiencing significant labor actions. These strikes have caused widespread disruptions across transportation, public services, and business operations. Below is an overview of the key strikes in each country, focusing on their impact on travel.
Table: Strike Dates and Details for Affected Countries in October 2025
| Country | Strike Date(s) | Sector Affected | Details of Disruption |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | October 1–Indefinite | Airports (All) | Disruption to check-in, baggage handling, and ground services. Minimal impact on flights. |
| Canada | September 22–October 5, 2025 | Public Transportation (Montreal) | Metro and bus services affected. Disruptions during off-peak hours. |
| Italy | October 2–3, 2025 | Rail (Nationwide) | 24-hour strike disrupting Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord services. |
| France | October 2, 2025 | Public Transportation | Metro and regional trains affected. TGV services operational. |
| Greece | October 1, 2025 | Public and Private Sectors | Nationwide strike disrupting transport, education, healthcare, and municipal services. |
| Belgium | October 14, 2025 | Airports (Brussels) | All outgoing flights from Brussels Airport cancelled due to national strike. |
| Italy | October 13, 2025 | Airports (Rome) | Four-hour strike at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Disruptions expected in air travel. |
| Italy | October 29, 2025 | Airports (Milan, Florence, Pisa) | 24-hour strike at major airports, potentially affecting air operations. |
| France | October 1–2, 2025 | Energy (EDF) | EDF nuclear operator strike, minimal effect on power supply due to French export capacity. |
| Canada | October 5, 2025 | Public Transportation (Montreal) | Maintenance worker strike affecting metro and bus services. |
Impact of Strikes on Travel
These strikes have caused significant travel disruptions, especially during the peak travel period of October. Here’s a breakdown of the various effects:
South Korea
The airport workers’ strike in South Korea, coinciding with the Chuseok holiday, is causing substantial travel disruptions. Passengers are facing delays in checking in and retrieving baggage, while ground services like cleaning, cart management, and parking are affected. While security staff are not on strike, the labor action has increased the pressure on the remaining staff, causing cascading delays throughout the airport system. Flight operations are largely unaffected, but delays in ground services could extend check-in and baggage retrieval times.
Moreover, the strike is likely to impact air cargo operations, especially for perishables, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Passengers should expect delays at all major airports, especially in Incheon, Gimpo, and Jeju.
Canada
In Montreal, maintenance workers employed by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) launched a strike affecting the metro and bus services between September 22 and October 5. This strike disrupted public transportation, leading to delays during peak hours, although limited services were maintained during off-peak times. While not directly affecting air travel, the disruption of city transport networks significantly impacted travelers trying to reach airports or other transport hubs.
Italy
Italy is facing strikes across its rail system. From October 2 to 3, 2025, a 24-hour strike has affected services operated by Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord. This disruption affects regional, intercity, and local trains, with significant delays and cancellations expected. While TGV high-speed trains will operate normally, other regional trains are likely to see severe disruptions. Additionally, two key airport strikes—one on October 13 (Rome) and another on October 29 (Milan, Florence, Pisa)—are expected to impact air travel. Passengers using airports in Rome and Milan should expect delays due to limited operations.
France
France experienced strikes across the public transportation sector, including metro and regional train services. On October 2, 2025, French unions launched a nationwide strike, disrupting local transport and creating travel delays. High-speed TGV trains, however, remained operational. Additionally, energy workers at the French nuclear operator EDF went on strike, but the effect on power supply was minimal, as France continued to export electricity.
Greece
On October 1, 2025, Greece saw a nationwide general strike affecting multiple sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, and municipal services. Public transport, such as ferries, trains, and taxis, was severely disrupted, causing travel delays across the country. This strike, driven by opposition to labor law reforms that would extend working hours and increase penalties for workers, compounded travel challenges for tourists and locals.
Belgium
Belgium is facing a major transportation strike on October 14, 2025, which will affect all outgoing flights from Brussels Airport. The strike, organized by Belgian unions, has led to cancellations of all flights as airport workers, including security staff, join the labor action. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and make alternate plans for their travel.
Recommended Actions for Travelers and Businesses
Given the widespread travel disruptions across these nations, businesses and travelers should take proactive steps to minimize the impact of these strikes.
For Travelers
- Check Flight and Transportation Schedules: Travelers should closely monitor flight schedules for updates on cancellations and delays. For flights in South Korea, the strike is not expected to affect flight operations directly, but ground service delays are likely. It’s essential to check in early and arrive at the airport well ahead of the scheduled time.
- Consider Alternative Transport: In countries like France and Italy, where rail and public transport strikes are prevalent, consider alternative modes of transport such as buses, taxis, or car rentals. In South Korea, demand for KTX high-speed trains, intercity buses, and ferries may surge, so travelers should plan for increased congestion on these routes.
- Have Backup Plans: Travelers should consider rerouting their travel through alternative hubs. For example, passengers traveling to South Korea could consider connecting flights through Japan or China to avoid disruptions at major Korean airports.
- Communicate with Airlines and Travel Agencies: Stay in constant communication with airlines or travel agencies to receive real-time updates about flight statuses, including delays and cancellations. Make sure to have contingency plans in place for any potential disruptions.
For Businesses
- Create Contingency Plans: Businesses dependent on air travel, such as those in logistics or tourism, should establish contingency plans in case of further disruptions. This may include shifting air cargo to sea freight or using alternative transport hubs in neighboring countries.
- Notify Clients and Employees: Ensure that clients, customers, and employees are informed about potential delays or disruptions in services. Clear and proactive communication is key to maintaining business continuity.
- Legal and Operational Readiness: Review contracts for any exposure to legal claims related to passenger rights and delays. It’s essential to understand the implications of these strikes on business operations, especially for companies with global supply chains or travel-dependent services.
- Monitor Real-Time Alerts: Stay updated with real-time alerts and advisories related to strike developments. Many platforms offer scenario modeling and strike-response management tools that can help businesses prepare for unexpected changes.
The global wave of labor strikes in October 2025, with South Korea, Canada, Italy, Greece, France, and Belgium facing significant disruptions, highlights the vulnerability of transportation networks and public services during peak travel seasons. These strikes have disrupted air travel, public transportation, and freight services, causing delays and cancellations that affect millions of passengers worldwide.
As travelers and businesses navigate these disruptions, proactive communication, contingency planning, and alternative travel arrangements are essential to minimize the impact of these labor actions. The ongoing nature of these strikes suggests that travel and logistical disruptions could persist for days or even weeks, so staying informed and flexible is key.
South Korea joins Canada, Italy, Greece, France, Brussels, and more in October strikes, as labor actions disrupt airports, railways, and public transport systems worldwide. These strikes, fueled by demands for better working conditions, have coincided with peak travel periods, causing massive travel delays and cancellations.
Ultimately, these strikes also shed light on broader labor issues across various sectors, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution between unions and management. Whether these strikes will lead to lasting changes in labor laws or simply result in temporary disruptions remains to be seen. However, in the short term, travelers and businesses must brace for the continued ripple effects of this global wave of labor unrest.
