Sometime this month, perhaps around 18 August, Spanish air traffic controllers may walk off their jobs, potentially stranding 2 million flyers over a three-day period. Given the issues with Mother Nature, airline strikes and controller strikes elsewhere in Europe, problem-free flying in Europe in 2010 has become a rarity.

Protesting salary cuts of up to 40% earlier this year, Spanish controllers are threatening a strike that will last three days. The date has not been set but it is widely believed that it will begin on 18 August. If controllers strike, it will be the first time ever that Spanish controllers have taken such action. For its part, the Spanish government is in the middle of implementing tough austerity measures as it grapples with a recession that has seen the nation's deficit reach record levels. The air traffic controllers work for AENA, the airport management company run by the government. The cuts were made after the government saw controllers earning an average annual salary of €350,000 (US$462,000) due to what it deemed excessive overtime hours which pays three times the normal rate. Some controllers were earning as much as €900,000. The cuts seek to bring the average annual salary down to €200,000 (US$260,000).

In July, France's two busiest airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) were hit with a strike by air traffic controllers protesting a plan to unify airspace across Europe.

Remember that strikes are considered part of the "extraordinary circumstances" that airlines are not liable for when it comes to compensation. However, airlines operating to, from and within the EU are responsible for informing passengers in advance and to furnish accommodations and other amenities should your plans be disrupted. Monetary compensation, however, is not part of this obligation. If your plans take you to, through, or from Spain this summer, be sure you know exactly what your airline plans to do in the event of a strike. Ask about refunds and rerouting policies before you depart. Make sure that if you purchased travel insurance, you are covered for labor actions. It's usually too late to add this coverage (if available) once it is known that a strike is imminent.