Last Updated: 04/12/2023 03:49PM ET

The ongoing strikes across Europe within the travel industry continue to impact passengers across the globe, causing thousands of cancellations and delays in recent months. European news outlets indicate that the strikes will continue for the foreseeable future. 

  • Travel industry workers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal have strikes planned for April and beyond
  • Airport staff, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and pilots have all participated in the European strikes in some capacity 

Most travel insurance policies offer coverage for cancellations and delays caused by travel supplier strikes. If a travel-related strike causes a delay, as defined in your plan, your policy’s Travel Delay benefit can reimburse you for meals, a hotel stay, and other eligible expenses. If the strikes force you to cancel your trip outright, your policy’s Trip Cancellation benefit can cover 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses such as flights, accommodations, tours, and excursions.  

However, once a strike is announced, it is considered foreseen by travel insurance providers. This means that to be eligible for coverage, a policy must be purchased before the strike was announced in any capacity. Purchasing a policy after a strike is announced would not cover cancellations or delays related to the strike in question. 

The European Travel Supplier Strikes Travel Insurance Information Center includes advice for travelers and answers to our most commonly asked questions about pilot strikes. This information is subject to change. Squaremouth’s experts will continue to update this information as the situation evolves.

Questions? Squaremouth’s travel insurance experts are on hand to answer your questions about coverage relating to the ongoing strikes. We are available from 8am to 10pm ET daily by chat and by phone at 1-800-240-0369.


If you have an upcoming trip and have concerns about potential pilot strikes impacting your travel plans, Squaremouth's experts are available to answer your questions. If you already have a policy, contact your provider's 24-Hour Emergency Assistance for help.

Once a strike is announced, it is considered foreseen and becomes excluded by most travel insurance policies.

Given the ongoing nature of the strikes across Europe, some providers may view the events as foreseeable, and won’t offer coverage regardless of the timing. Be sure to view the Provider Statements to view the provider’s specific stance on the issue as it relates to coverage.

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