Prepare for Potential Disruptions During Ongoing Strikes at Spanish Airports
Travelers in Spain experiencing disorder amidst holiday season
Ground workers from Azul Handling and Menzies are currently on strike at 27 airports in Spain, affecting popular tourist destinations such as Alicante, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Malaga. The strike by Azul is planned to last until the end of the year, while Menzies is planning protests for two weekends initially.
Travelers can prepare for potential delays and flight cancellations caused by ground staff strikes at Spanish airports by taking several key steps:
- Check flight status frequently in advance and on the day of travel. Disruptions are expected on many dates through late 2025 at airports including Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and others.
- Allow extra time at the airport for check-in, baggage drop, and security. Strikes can cause longer waiting times and congestion.
- Contact your airline proactively to confirm the status of your flight and inquire about rebooking or assistance options if disruptions occur.
- Understand your passenger rights: In Spain, passengers affected by strikes involving ground handling subsidiaries of airlines like Ryanair's Azul Handling may still be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, as these strikes are not always considered "extraordinary circumstances." Compensation can be up to 600 euros depending on delay length and distance flown. Airlines must also provide meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if relevant.
- Consider travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations caused by strikes.
- Prepare flexible travel plans where possible, including accommodation and alternative transportation options, especially during high-strike periods such as weekends and peak travel times from August through the end of the year.
- Stay informed through official airport, airline websites, and trustworthy news sources for updates on strike schedules and negotiations.
Good preparation is key to flying as relaxed as possible on holiday in Spain. Holidaymakers should expect delays and problems with baggage handling during this strike. Even take-offs and landings can be affected without ground crew. In case of a flight delay of more than three hours in Spain, holidaymakers can claim up to 600 euros in compensation.
In the event of flight cancellations, passengers are entitled to a ticket refund or replacement flights. Unions accuse ground handling companies of poor working conditions. Planes remain grounded, buses to the terminal are missing, and luggage piles up when ground staff go on strike. Online check-in can help avoid congestion at the counter.
Ryanair, an airline operating in Spain, has announced that they do not expect any disruption to flight operations due to these strikes by external handling companies. The situation remains tense despite countermeasures announced by airlines like Ryanair.
In case of late notification about flight cancellations, passengers can also claim additional money back. Nothing works at the airports when ground staff go on strike. From a two-hour delay, passengers must be provided with refreshments, drinks, or hotel accommodation including transfer. The airlines are relying on automated processes and external service providers to keep operations running during strikes.
Mallorca holidaymakers are looking enviously at Germany due to a heat wave. It's crucial for travelers to stay informed and be flexible during these challenging times to ensure a smoother travel experience.
- Travelers should pay attention to updates from general-news sources for information about ongoing strikes at Spanish airports, especially in relation to popular tourist destinations like Alicante, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Malaga.
- Due to the strike at Spanish airports, individuals may want to consider altering their lifestyle plans, such as rescheduling their travels or purchasing travel insurance to cover delays and cancellations caused by ground staff strikes.
