As the Christmas and New Year periods approach, millions of people are set to head off abroad for a winter break or to see family. However, industrial action across the likes of Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK affecting baggage handling and ground services is expected to bring chaos to Europe's airports.

The tourist hubs are expected to be plagued by flight delays, cancellations and longer waiting times at airports, particularly on key travel dates. As a result, travellers are being urged to stay informed, check flight status regularly and allow extra time at airports.

Spain is set to suffer particularly badly, with disruption already ongoing due to a baggage-handlers' strike by Azul Handling, a company that forms part of the Ryanair Group. The strike began on August 15 and is scheduled to continue until December 31, meaning the entire festive travel period is in jeopardy.

The coordinated walkouts are taking place across Spain - from the mainland to the Canaries and Balearic Islands - four days a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at three daily time slots - 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11.59pm - coinciding with some of the busiest times for airport operations.

The strikes will increase the risk of delays to departures, arrivals and baggage delivery, and, although they have not always been maintained or affected passengers, they are expected to intensify at peak times to "prove a point", according to Canarian Weekly. The dispute centres on unresolved overtime payments, bonus agreements and the lack of stable job creation for part-time workers.

Ryanair has said that it expects to operate its planned flight schedules, but has acknowledged that delays cannot be ruled out due to the ongoing industrial action.

Meanwhile, here in the UK, Luton Airport is preparing for significant disruption following the announcement of a four-day strike by ground handling staff employed by DHL. According to reports, the walkout will take place in two phases - from 3am on December 19 to 3am on December 22 and the same period from December 26 to December 29.

More than 400 flights are expected to be affected during these strike periods, potentially disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers over the Christmas period.