Holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer could be facing one of the most disruptive peak seasons in recent years. Beginning 15 August 2025, strike action by thousands of ground handling workers is expected to impact flights by Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, and several other major carriers, threatening delays, cancellations, and baggage chaos across the country’s busiest airports.
With Spain ranking among the top three most visited countries in the world—drawing over 85 million international tourists annually according to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism—this industrial unrest has raised concerns for both travellers and the country’s vital tourism sector.
Key Airports Facing Disruption
Two separate but overlapping strikes are at the heart of the travel crisis:
- Menzies Aviation Strike:
Representing more than 1,500 ground staff, the UGT union has called for walkouts at Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga-Costa del Sol, and Tenerife South airports.
Strike dates: 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31 August 2025. - Ryanair’s Azul Handling Strike:
Over 3,000 baggage handlers from Ryanair’s handling subsidiary, Azul Handling, will begin industrial action on 15, 16, and 17 August, continuing every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 31 December 2025.
Airlines and Routes Most Affected
Ryanair:
The airline’s bases in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Malaga, and Palma are expected to see delays in luggage delivery, longer boarding times, and possible flight cancellations.
easyJet & British Airways:
Both rely heavily on Menzies for baggage and ground operations at Spanish airports, meaning disruptions could affect short-haul and long-haul services alike, including routes to and from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Other International Carriers:
Airlines such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, and Norwegian that contract Menzies services may also experience knock-on delays.
Why the Strikes Are Happening
The UGT union has accused Menzies of:
- Failing to honour salary agreements
- Poor staff scheduling and chronic understaffing
- Restricting workers’ rights on medical leave and family care
Meanwhile, Ryanair’s Azul Handling staff are protesting:
- Excessive overtime demands
- Sanctions against workers
- An “abusive” work environment
Union leaders have requested mediation through Spain’s SIMA (Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service), but no agreement has yet been reached.
Impact on Spain’s Tourism and Economy
Spain’s tourism accounts for 12% of national GDP and supports over 2.8 million jobs. Peak summer months generate the highest revenues for airlines, hotels, and local businesses. Prolonged travel disruptions could:
- Affect hotel occupancy rates in destinations like Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands
- Reduce spending in retail, restaurants, and tourist attractions
- Damage Spain’s reputation as a reliable holiday destination
According to Exceltur (Spain’s tourism association), even a 5% drop in visitor arrivals during August could cost the sector hundreds of millions of euros in lost revenue.
What Travellers Should Expect
- Delays & Cancellations: Expect significant disruptions on strike days, especially at Barcelona and Malaga, two of Spain’s busiest summer airports.
- Baggage Delays: Luggage delivery may be slow or disrupted entirely—travellers are advised to pack essential items in carry-on bags.
- Long Queues: Shortages of ground staff will slow check-in, security, and boarding processes.
- Last-Minute Changes: Airlines may reroute flights or consolidate services to reduce the operational burden.
Travel Advice for Passengers
- Check Flight Status Regularly: Use airline apps and sign up for SMS/email alerts.
- Arrive Earlier than Usual: Add at least an extra hour for airport formalities.
- Travel Light: Avoid checking luggage where possible to bypass baggage delays.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage includes strike-related cancellations.
- Look for Alternate Airports: Smaller airports like Murcia or Girona may not be as heavily impacted.
Long-Term Outlook
If negotiations fail, Spain could face continued airport strikes into the Christmas travel season, historically one of the busiest for inbound tourism from the UK and Germany.
For now, travellers heading to Spain in August–September 2025 are advised to stay flexible, keep informed, and prepare for potential itinerary changes.
The Spanish Ministry of Transport has urged all parties to resume dialogue, stressing the importance of maintaining operational stability during the peak tourism period. However, with both unions standing firm, summer holidaymakers may need to brace for a turbulent season in the skies.
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