Urgent warning for anyone going to Spain as there will be severe delays
Disruption will hit those travelling to places including Barcelona, Malaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife
Multiple airlines will be hit and you may not get compensation
Passengers with easyJet, British Airways and Wizz Air are among those likely to be affected by a new wave of airport strikes hitting major Spanish holiday destinations starting this weekend and running for the followig two weekends.
Those flying to Barcelona, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife Sur could face disruption from industrial action called by the UGT union, representing ground handling staff employed by the Menzies group. The industrial action is not a continuous walkout but is targeted across the final three weekends of August 2025, scheduled 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 aimed at Menzies Aviation Ibérica, the company responsible for ground services for several international airlines across Spain. Other airlines which could be affected include Emirates, Norwegian and American Airlines. Passengers travelling with the affected airlines on the strike dates should be prepared for potential disruption.
The walkouts target essential ground services, including passenger check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft assistance on the tarmac. Travellers may experience longer queues and extended waiting times for their luggage.
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.
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"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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