As the summer travel season peaks, UK holidaymakers heading to the Balearic Islands are being warned of potential delays and cancellations due to airport strikes at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), the third busiest airport in Spain. Airport staff, represented by the Spanish union UGT, have announced industrial action in response to worsening working conditions, intensifying frustrations among both aviation workers and travelers.
The strikes—already underway—are expected to continue throughout the high season unless critical demands are met by airport operator AENA. British travelers, who make up a significant portion of Majorca’s annual visitors, could face severe travel disruptions unless swift resolutions are reached.
Why Are Palma Airport Workers Striking?
The industrial action stems from long-standing grievances regarding poor working conditions, wage stagnation, and mounting pressure due to overtourism. Union UGT has criticized AENA for failing to invest adequately in airport staffing and infrastructure despite record tourism profits.
Employees cite insufficient rest periods, unsatisfactory uniforms that don’t suit weather conditions, limited career advancement opportunities, and mismanagement as some of the most urgent issues. Calls for free staff parking and the development of an affordable on-site cafeteria have further illustrated worker dissatisfaction.
Palma Airport handled over 31 million passengers in 2023, according to AENA statistics, with UK travelers accounting for nearly 25% of arrivals. Yet, employees claim their increasing workloads have not been matched by appropriate working conditions or recognition.
Summer of Chaos? More Strikes Loom Across Spain
Palma Airport’s strike is part of a larger wave of labor unrest sweeping across Spain’s tourism and transport sectors. Similar protests have occurred in Ibiza and Menorca, where tourism workers are pushing back against the strain placed on local infrastructure by mass tourism.
Labor unions warn that unless negotiations yield results soon, a “summer of chaos” could unfold across key Spanish holiday destinations. The Balearic government is already lobbying Madrid for intervention, arguing that delays and cancellations will damage the islands’ reputation and economic stability.
According to the Balearic Ministry of Consumer Affairs, complaints from travelers have risen steadily since early July, prompting authorities to call on the national government to ensure operational continuity and uphold consumer rights under European Regulation 261/2004.
What UK Tourists Should Know
With strike action targeting some of the busiest travel days of the summer season, UK tourists are urged to prepare for the unexpected. Travelers flying to and from Palma de Mallorca are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly with airlines and sign up for real-time alerts.
- Arrive early at airports—at least two hours for short-haul and three hours for long-haul flights.
- Stay flexible by booking changeable tickets and travel insurance covering delays.
- Know your rights under EU261, which mandates compensation for cancellations and long delays.
Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, British Airways, and EasyJet—carriers with high-frequency operations to PMI—have already begun advising passengers to build extra time into their travel schedules and explore rebooking options where available.
How Is the Government Responding?
The Spanish Ministry of Transport has yet to formally intervene in the AENA labor dispute, but pressure is mounting. Tourism contributes approximately 12% of Spain’s GDP, and the Balearic Islands are a cornerstone of that industry. Local government officials fear that sustained disruptions could deter future bookings, particularly among British and German travelers.
To mitigate the fallout, regional authorities are encouraging dialogue between unions and AENA while also reinforcing airport staffing for essential services during strike periods. However, unless meaningful changes are implemented, more coordinated action across Spanish airports could occur in August.
Tourism Growth vs. Worker Rights
The strikes highlight a deeper issue at the heart of Spain’s tourism success: the balance between economic growth and sustainable working conditions. With over 70 million international visitors expected in Spain in 2025, infrastructure and labor resources are being stretched thin.
Palma, which ranks as one of Europe’s busiest leisure airports during summer, reflects the pressure that high-volume tourism places on front-line workers. Despite contributing significantly to the economy, many staff feel their labor conditions remain neglected as visitor numbers surge.
This discontent mirrors similar issues in other European hotspots like Barcelona, Venice, and Dubrovnik, where overtourism has triggered local resistance.
Outlook for the Remainder of Summer
With July and August accounting for more than 40% of annual tourist traffic to Majorca, any sustained disruption at Palma Airport could ripple across the region. Hoteliers, tour operators, and transport providers are already bracing for the potential impact, while UK holidaymakers are encouraged to remain informed and proactive.
According to travel industry experts, even if a full-scale strike is avoided, the current climate of uncertainty could lead to staffing shortages, longer queues, and delays in security and baggage handling.
As the situation develops, the best strategy for travelers is preparation: stay updated, remain patient, and understand your rights. By anticipating disruptions, holidaymakers can still enjoy the stunning beaches, culture, and sunshine that make Majorca one of Europe’s top summer destinations.
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