STRIKES in Spain, France and the UK could affect holidaymakers planning holidays during the half term break.
Schools in the UK will have a week off from Monday, February 13 until Sunday, February 19, but there are strikes planned during that time.
Firstly, air traffic controllers across 16 airports in Spain have confirmed they would be walking out every Monday for the next month.
That includes February 13, during the school holidays.
Around 160 workers will walk out after being called by the CCOO and USCA trade unions when negotiations failed.
Here is the full list of airports affected:
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- A Coruña (LECO)
- Alicante (LEAL)
- Castellon (LECN)
- El Hierro (GCEHI)
- Fuerteventura (GCFV)
- Ibiza (LEIB)
- Jerez de la Frontera (LEJR)
- La Palma (GCLA)
- Lanzarote (GCRR)
- Lleida (LEDA)
- Madrid-Cuatro Vientos (LECU)
- Murcia (LELC)
- Sabadell (LELL)
- Sevilla (LEZL)
- Valencia (LEVC)
- Vigo (LEVX)
Brits who have flights on those days should contact their airline before travelling.
Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways operate the most routes between the UK and Spain.
The Ministry of Transport said they would be operating minimum services, which includes emergency flights.
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Meanwhile, border force staff in the UK and France are planning four days' worth of strike action during the half-term break.
Close to 1,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) in Dover, Calais, Coquelles and Dunkirk will walk out on February 17, 18, 19 and 20.
General secretary of the PCS Mark Serwotka said: "Many civil servants are already having to choose between heating and eating, having to claim the benefits they themselves have to administer and they are having to go to food banks."
The government told travellers to prepare for disruption.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed with the union’s decision to strike and the inconvenience this will cause to travellers and businesses.
"We continue to work closely with all affected ports to assess the impacts of this announcement. Whilst we have robust plans in place to minimise any delays, passengers should be prepared for disruption and take action to plan ahead.
"Those intending to travel or ship goods into the UK over strike days should keep up-to-date with the latest advice from operators to check how the strike action will affect them."
Strikes could also cause disruption elsewhere during the half-term in the UK.
Ground personnel and baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport are threatening to walk off for three days, starting on February 11.
Travel expert, Sebastien Texier, General Manager for Europe at Hopper provided advice for anyone who could be affected by the strikes.
He said: "With a barrage of strikes in the UK, Spain and France expected to cause chaos over February, it's crucial for families planning to travel to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their tickets.
“If your airline allows you to reschedule your flight at no extra cost, consider changing your travel plans to a non-strike day.
"Opting for specific times and days can also help you avoid delays.
"For instance, flying early in the day or on weekdays (Monday or Tuesday) can reduce the chance of flight disruptions during the strikes.
"In situations like these, which are out of the control of the airline and traveler, it's important for families to book with companies that offer ticket flexibility or flight disruption guarantees.
"To ease the worries of last-minute changes, families should look for companies that can change tickets with short notice during the February half-term."
Meanwhile, Brits have been issued a warning over visiting a popular holiday destination this year.
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Brits will also need a new visa-waiver to visit Europe this year.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will cost Brits an extra €7 (£6).
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