Situation today (26 October 2026)
- Schiphol and KLM: no strike announced in the sources checked on 26 October 2026; in June 2025 a judge banned a 24-hour KLM ground staff strike on safety grounds.
- easyJet Portugal: cabin crew voted for a strike from 2 to 6 October 2026 (past) and plan a second from 19 to 23 December 2026, depending on negotiations; Schiphol would see at most knock-on effects (27 September).
- easyJet France: pilots of the SNPL union postponed their strike of 1 and 2 October; no new date found. Flights from Dutch airports to Paris, Lyon, Nice, Nantes and Bordeaux would be hit.
- France: the national strike notice for cabin crew and pilots for 17 to 21 October was suspended on 12 October; the decree the unions are waiting for was not confirmed.
Calendar
| Date | Event | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Judge bans 24-hour KLM ground staff strike | No strike, past |
| 2-6 October 2026 | easyJet Portugal cabin crew strike vote | Past; possible cancellations on Portugal flights |
| 17-21 October 2026 | French national aviation strike notice | Suspended on 12 October |
| 19-23 December 2026 | easyJet Portugal, second strike period (planned) | Possible cancellations, depending on negotiations |
What you can do
- Check your flight: status in the airline's app and on the Schiphol website; airlines warn by e-mail or app.
- Getting to Schiphol: the train to Amsterdam Centraal takes 15 to 20 minutes, but in a national public transport strike almost nothing runs (see our NS strike article). Practical details in Schiphol and central Amsterdam.
- Stay nearby: if a flight is cancelled late, a hotel at the airport is the safest bet; book with free cancellation.
Your rights under EU261
If your flight is cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 always gives you the choice between a refund (within seven days) and rerouting, plus meals, hotel and transfer while you wait. Flat-rate compensation (250 euros up to 1,500 km, 400 euros up to 3,500 km, 600 euros beyond) is due if you were told less than 14 days ahead and the strike is by the airline's own staff: under the EU Court of Justice ruling of 23 March 2021 (C-28/20) that is not an extraordinary circumstance. It usually falls away for strikes by airport staff or air traffic controllers. The Dutch enforcement body is the ILT. Background in Strikes and disruptions in Amsterdam.
Flight cancelled or delayed by a strike: are you owed compensation?
- Who is covered: EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) applies to flights leaving the EU (any airline) and flights into the EU on an EU airline.
- Amounts: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 from 1,500 to 3,500 km (or intra-EU flights over 1,500 km), €600 beyond 3,500 km, if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure or arrives 3 hours or more late. The amount can be cut by 50% if you are rerouted at times close to the original.
- Strike: the case on this page — It depends on who is on strike. A strike by the airline's own staff (pilots, cabin crew) usually gives a right to compensation (CJEU, TUIfly 2018 and SAS 2021). An air traffic control strike, an airport staff strike or a general strike is usually an extraordinary circumstance: no compensation, but the airline must still offer a refund or rebooking and care (meals, hotel).
- Claim for free: directly with the airline, using the form on its website; keep your boarding pass and all proofs. Deadline depends on the country — Netherlands: 2 years.
- Claims service: AirHelp checks your flight for free and handles the claim, taking a commission only if it wins (about 35% of the compensation, VAT included, plus 15% if legal action is needed). You can also claim yourself at no cost.
What to do safely during the airport strike
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Outing that does not depend on the strike: Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken, organised trip with transport included, no train or bus to book yourself.
- Airport hotel, free cancellation: hotels near Amsterdam Schiphol airport, refundable if your flight is cancelled or moved.
FAQ
Is there a strike at Schiphol in November 2026?
As of 26 October 2026 we found none announced. Check your flight status before you leave.
Do I get compensation in a strike?
Refund or rerouting and care, always; flat-rate compensation only if the airline's own staff strike and you were told less than 14 days ahead.
Sources checked on 26 October 2026: rechtspraak.nl (June 2025), iamexpat.nl (27 September 2026), Euronews (18 September 2026), French trade press (12 October 2026 suspension). This page will be updated as soon as a strike is announced.
