easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and other passengers warned over severe delays in Spain
Passengers flying with easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and other airlines could be among those affected by a fresh wave of airport strikes. The disruption is set to hit major Spanish holiday hotspots starting this weekend and continue for the next two weekends.
Those jetting off to Barcelona, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife Sur may face disruption due to industrial action called by the UGT union, which represents ground handling staff employed by the Menzies group. The strike is not a continuous walkout but is planned across the last three weekends of August 2025, timed to coincide with the peak summer travel season over the weekends of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August; Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August; and Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August.
The industrial action is targeted at Menzies Aviation Ibérica, the firm responsible for ground services for several international airlines across Spain. Other airlines that could be impacted include Emirates, Norwegian and American Airlines.
Passengers travelling with the affected airlines on the strike dates should prepare for potential disruption. The strikes target crucial ground services, including passenger check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft assistance on the tarmac. Travellers may face longer queues and extended waiting times for their luggage, reports Bristol Live.
Ivalyo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: "Clearly, travellers booked on flights with easyJet, Emirates, British Airways, or the other impacted carriers should check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport for the most up-to-date information.
"As the industrial action is by ground handling staff at Menzies Aviation Ibérica is a strike by by third-party ground handling staff it would generally be considered 'an extraordinary circumstance', meaning airlines may not be required to pay compensation for delays caused by such industrial action.
"Nonetheless, passengers remain entitled to essential assistance, including meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if necessary during prolonged delays. We strongly advise all travellers to keep themselves informed about potential disruptions during these peak summer weekends."
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