Roberta Aguirre
Airport strikes are a common occurrence in Spain, with various unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew frequently engaging in industrial action. While strikes can occur at any time, they are particularly disruptive during peak travel seasons, such as the Christmas holidays and Easter. For example, in December 2023, Spanish airline Iberia faced strike action from ground staff, impacting over 35,000 flights across Spain. Additionally, in April 2025, passenger assistance workers at Heathrow Airport in the UK went on strike during the Easter holidays, affecting travellers passing through Spain. With strikes causing flight delays and cancellations, it is essential for travellers to stay updated on strike announcements and their rights to refunds or compensation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Expected in Spring 2025; dates not finalised |
| Reason | To demand better pay and working conditions |
| Unions Involved | UGT, CCOO, and USO |
| Companies Involved | Several companies providing baggage handling services at airports all over Spain; Iberia |
| Affected Airports | Alicante, Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madrid |
| Affected Flights | More than 35,000 flights across Spain |
| Compensation | Airlines are usually obliged to help or compensate passengers; depends on the conditions of the airline and travel insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Baggage handlers threaten to strike
Spanish airports are bracing for a potential new wave of strikes as baggage handlers threaten to walk off the job. The action is being called by three of the country's biggest unions: UGT, CCOO, and USO. These unions represent workers belonging to the Association of Auxiliary Services Companies for Air Transport (ASEATA), which provides baggage handling services at airports across Spain.
The unions are demanding that several companies comply with a new collective agreement designed to improve pay and working conditions for baggage handlers. They argue that these employers are not adhering to the salary adjustments and remuneration levels outlined in the agreement, and are also criticising what they see as an "abuse of the working day" through changes to rosters without proper notice.
The strike has not been finalised, and there is still a chance that the unions and employers will come to an agreement before any industrial action takes place. However, if the strike goes ahead, it is expected to cause significant disruption for passengers throughout Spain, particularly at popular destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madrid.
To avoid this outcome, the unions have demanded that ASEATA and the offending member companies urgently reconsider their positions and commit to meaningful dialogue about staff working conditions. Passengers are advised to monitor the latest travel information and prepare for potential disruptions to their journeys. It is also recommended to check for strike dates at both departure and arrival airports before booking any flights.
While strikes can cause delays or cancellations, airlines are usually obliged to provide assistance or compensation, depending on their specific conditions and the extent of the traveller's insurance coverage. However, if a flight is booked after a strike has been announced, receiving compensation becomes highly unlikely.
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Unions demand better pay and working conditions
Airport workers in Spain have called for strikes, affecting some of the country's most popular destinations, including Alicante, Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madrid. The strikes are being led by three of Spain's biggest unions: UGT, CCOO, and USO, who are demanding better pay and working conditions for their members.
The unions are calling for a strike on behalf of all workers belonging to the Association of Auxiliary Services Companies for Air Transport (ASEATA). ASEATA represents several companies that provide baggage handling services at airports across Spain. The unions argue that some companies have not complied with the new collective agreement, which was designed to improve pay and working conditions for staff. They claim that strike action is a ""last resort"" and are urging ASEATA and the offending companies to reconsider their positions and commit to improving staff working conditions.
Among their criticisms, the unions point out that employers are not complying with salary adjustments, failing to recognize the remuneration levels of the collective agreement, and not applying work shifts according to the agreements. This has led to an "abuse of the working day," with rosters being changed without proper notice. The unions argue that the failure to comply with the agreements leaves them with "no other option than conflict" to defend workers' rights.
The strikes are expected to cause disruption for passengers across Spain, with potential delays and cancellations affecting thousands of flights. It is important to note that strike action is often used as a bargaining chip in negotiations, and there is a possibility that unions and employers will come to an agreement before the strike takes place. However, travelers are advised to keep themselves updated on their flight status and prepare for potential disruptions.
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Strikes during holiday periods
In January 2025, a fresh wave of strikes by baggage handlers was announced by three of Spain's biggest unions: UGT, CCOO, and USO. These unions represent workers belonging to the Association of Auxiliary Services Companies for Air Transport (ASEATA), which provides baggage handling services at airports across Spain. The unions complained that some companies were not complying with a new collective agreement designed to improve pay and working conditions for staff. They demanded that ASEATA and the offending companies reconsider their positions and engage in meaningful dialogue about staff working conditions.
In addition, Spanish unions representing ground service workers at Iberia scheduled a walkout from December 29, 2023, to January 1, 2024, and from January 4 to January 7, 2024. This action was in protest against Iberia's decision to outsource luggage handling, which raised concerns among employees about the potential negative impact on their working conditions.
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Airlines' 'latest information' pages
Airlines latest information pages
We are closely monitoring the situation in Spain, where airport workers have called for strikes on several occasions in the past year, causing travel disruptions. The most recent strike action took place in January 2024, when ground staff at IAG-owned Iberia went on a four-day strike, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights. However, the airline reported a minimal impact on services, with only 17% of staff participating in the strike.
Upcoming strike action in Spain includes rolling strikes by air traffic controllers in Madrid and Barcelona between April 20 and 30, 2025. Additionally, three of the biggest unions in Spain—UGT, CCOO, and USO—have announced plans for a baggage handler strike across the country, although the dates and duration have not been finalized.
If you have upcoming travel plans involving Spanish airports, we recommend that you regularly check your flight status and prepare for potential disruptions. It is also important to note that if you book your flight knowing that a strike is set to take place, you are unlikely to receive compensation. However, if your flight is delayed or canceled due to the strike, your airline may be obliged to provide assistance or compensation, depending on their specific conditions. Be sure to review your airline's policies and your travel insurance coverage.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the websites of your specific airline and insurer. You can also sign up for email notifications and newsletters to stay informed about any changes or updates regarding the strike action.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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Strikes in other European countries
Belgium: Both main airports serving Belgium's capital, Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport, cancelled all departing flights on 31 March due to a one-day nationwide strike protesting the new government's proposal to reform pensions and the labour market. This strike also impacted international rail services, with a week-long nationwide rail strike taking place from 23 March to 30 March.
France and Italy: During the Easter Bank Holiday in April 2025, scheduled strikes affected operations across France and Italy. This included Air Traffic Control strikes and potential industrial action, causing travel disruption. A 24-hour strike on 19 April disrupted operations across Venice, Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and other Italian airports.
UK: At Gatwick Airport, ground staff strikes over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend were expected to cause disruptions. Over 100 employees from Red Handling planned to walk out. Pilot and cabin crew strikes affected departures from Frankfurt and Munich, operated by Lufthansa-owned Discover Airlines, from 27-30 August 2024.
Italy: In September 2024, pilots and cabin crew at ITA Airways and Wizz Air staged walkouts, with air traffic controllers at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Sardinia's Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport doing the same. Baggage handlers at Milan Malpensa Airport, Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport, and Pisa International Airport also joined the strike action. An additional 24-hour public transport strike in Italy was scheduled for 20 September.
Spain: In September 2023, airport workers in Spain called strikes during four days, affecting popular destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madrid. In January 2025, a fresh wave of baggage handler strikes was announced by three of the biggest unions, UGT, CCOO, and USO, demanding better pay and working conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there have been several airport strikes in Spain in recent years, with more planned for the future.
The reasons for the strikes vary but often involve disputes between unions and employers over working conditions, contracts, and pay. For example, in 2024, ground staff at IAG-owned Iberia went on strike to protest against contracts signed with new providers, which they believed would negatively impact their working conditions.
The strikes can cause flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of passengers. However, it's important to note that not all airports or airlines may be affected, and minimum service legislation can help to minimise disruption.
It depends on the specific circumstances and your travel insurance. If the strike is out of the airline's control, such as an airport or baggage handler strike, they may not provide compensation. It's also unlikely that you'll receive compensation if you book your flight knowing that a strike is scheduled to take place.
As of April 2025, there are reports of upcoming aviation worker strikes in Spain that are expected to impact flights during the Easter period. It is advised to regularly check for updates and negotiate travel plans accordingly.
