A nationwide general strike has been paralyzing much of Portugal’s transportation system since June 3—and Belgium is currently also affected by air traffic strikes. For travelers from Austria, this raises questions about their flight connections and their rights for both destinations.

In the course of its work, the apf was alerted by applicants to a scam in which supposed airline hotlines ask their victims to make payments. We therefore urge those affected to be on the lookout for this hotline scam, in which fraudsters pose as employees of airlines or booking platforms to obtain sensitive data and money. Passengers are particularly vulnerable to these attacks in stressful situations—such as flight cancellations, delays, or baggage issues.

We are pleased to announce another addition to our online arbitration services: Effective immediately, applicants arbitration procedure an English-language online form for arbitration procedure related to sea travel. With this, the apf has closed the final gap across all relevant modes of transport. Applications for arbitration procedure the areas of air, rail, bus, and sea travel can now be submitted in both languages.

The Agency for Passenger Rights now also Agency for Passenger Rights travelers with the latest brochures on passenger rights for rail and air travel.

Air traffic to and within Italy will be subject to significant disruptions starting Monday, May 11. Coordinated work stoppages by the Italian air traffic control agency (ENAV), cabin crew at airlines such as EasyJet, and local ground handling providers are causing massive disruptions. The national airline ITA Airways has already announced the cancellation of approximately 38 to 40 percent of its flight schedule for Monday. Rome-Fiumicino, Milan-Malpensa, and Venice airports are particularly affected, as are flights to and from Vienna.

An incident recently occurred at Salzburg Central Station that significantly disrupted rail traffic for about an hour and a half: a chemical leaked from a freight car. As a result, individual tracks had to be evacuated at first, and later the entire station. Train service was suspended, and trains waited for the closure to be lifted before operations could resume around 7 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident still had a noticeable impact on numerous travelers.

Last weekend, a major incident occurred on the Nordbahn railway line in Lower Austria. A problem with the overhead power lines between Gänserndorf and Angern an der March led to a disruption in train service lasting several hours. Hundreds of passengers were affected, and according to media reports, the bus service put in place was only able to partially handle the volume of passengers.

A recent incident at the Vienna-Meidling train station clearly illustrates the challenges that overcrowded trains can pose for passengers and rail companies.

apf has the latest news!

Rising jet fuel prices continue to cause concern among air travelers. The apf provides information on prices and consumer rights.

The arbitration board provides assistance free of charge and without commission: The Agency for Passenger Rights apf) is the statutory arbitration and enforcement body for rail, bus, ship, and air travel. Through out-of-court arbitration procedure , the apf arbitration procedure travelers assert their rights free of charge and without commission.

Strikes have been announced again at Lufthansa this week, while a general strike in Belgium is bringing Brussels Airport to a standstill. For many travelers, this means flight cancellations, delays, and uncertainty. The Agency for Passenger Rights apf) provides information on the current situation and explains your rights.

The military escalation in the Middle East is having a serious impact on international air traffic. Air traffic hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are particularly affected. Many travelers are stranded at airports or are facing flight cancellations. The Agency for Passenger Rights apf) provides information on the current situation and explains the rights of affected travelers.

The onset of winter and heavy snowfall in eastern Austria pose a challenge for travelers. Transport companies and infrastructure operators face particular challenges on days like these. The apf provides information on travelers' rights in such situations based on specific scenarios.

The strike at Lufthansa is causing concern for many passengers, including those in Austria. The apf provides information on what you are entitled to if you are affected by flight cancellations or long delays. In the event of a dispute, it is worth contacting the Agency for Passenger Rights apf). We always provide assistance free of charge and without commission!

The semester break is a busy travel period in Austria every year. The school holidays in February are often used for vacations in Austria's mountains or city breaks, which means that both rail and air traffic increase during this period. Realistic planning, sufficient time reserves, and knowledge of passenger rights are the most important prerequisites for a smooth journey, whether by train or plane.

Due to freezing rain and heavy ice formation, Vienna International Airport had to temporarily suspend all flight operations. Rail traffic in eastern Austria has also been affected by restrictions. For many travelers, this means diversions, delays, and cancellations in both air and rail traffic.

Even though Austria has only been marginally affected so far, the beginning of 2026 presented travelers in Europe with an unusually tough test: intense snowstorms and extreme winter conditions led to many transport disruptions. Flight and train problems made the first week of the travel year a challenge.