Latest news with #AzulHandling
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Ryanair does not expect Spanish baggage handler stoppages to disrupt operations
Ryanair has played down the prospect of any significant disruption to its schedule towards the end of next week when a series of stoppages by its baggage handling partner are planned at airports across Spain . The General Union of Workers (UGT) in Spain has called a series of strikes at Azul Handling, which falls under the Ryanair umbrella, over what is claims is 'continuous precariousness' and 'constant breaches' of labour rights. The union represents about 20 per cent of the staff at the baggage handling operator. While the stoppages have been timed for the business travel periods of the week and could lead to significant delays in baggage being processed, Ryanair said it does not anticipate any major disruption in the days ahead at least in part as a result of legislation in Spain that protects essential services from total shutdowns. READ MORE 'Due to Spain's minimum service legislation during peak summer months, we do not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these strikes by the UGT union, who represent less than 20 per cent of Azul staff in our third-party handler in Spain,' a spokeswoman said. [ Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary takes aim at governments, rivals and unions Opens in new window ] The strike action is set to take place next Friday, Saturday and Sunday over three time slots, with the first stoppages planned for a four hour period from 5am to 9am when the airports in question are likely to be at their busiest. Subsequent stoppages are planned from midday to 3pm and from 9pm to midnight on each of the three days. According to the union, the stoppages will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of the year. Airports likely to be affected include most of the key holiday destinations for Irish travellers, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela.
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Ryanair flights to Alicante, Ibiza, Mallorca and Tenerife cancelled
Ryanair flights to Alicante, Ibiza, Mallorca and Tenerife cancelled The airline have cancelled flights to key Spanish destinations amid prolonged baggage handler strike The budget airline has already scrapped services to and from Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South from its timetables. (Image: Birmingham Live) Ryanair has axed flights to beloved Spanish holiday hotspots during the summer holidays as an extended baggage handler strike threatens to wreak havoc on operations through to the year's end. The budget airline has already scrapped services to and from Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South from its timetables. Additional chaos was anticipated throughout Ryanair's entire Spanish operation - despite the carrier insisting disruption would be kept to a minimum. The news follows the airline's cancellation of over 800 flights due to 'conflict' last month. The industrial dispute has been orchestrated by Spain's UGT union, involving workers from Azul Handling - Ryanair's own ground handling division - who are employed at 12 of the airline's Spanish hubs. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The initial walkout is scheduled for Friday, August 15, with subsequent strikes planned for every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through to Wednesday, December 31. Three busy periods will be hit by the action - 5am to 9am, noon to 3pm, and 9pm to midnight. The ongoing stoppages will impact services at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, Seville, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. The union states the strikes are a response to what it characterises as "exploitative working conditions". Union representatives alleged that Azul Handling had consistently disregarded their demands. Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, slammed the company for pursuing "a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands". Travellers have already begun receiving alerts about alterations to their travel plans. (Image: Tang Ming Tung via Getty Images) While Spanish legislation requires minimum service levels during strike action, the practical implications of this requirement remain unclear. A Ryanair spokesperson insisted: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Article continues below However, travellers have already begun receiving alerts about alterations to their travel plans. The carrier has informed impacted passengers they can choose between full refunds, travel vouchers, or rebooking onto different flights.
The Independent
15 hours ago
- The Independent
Holidaymakers warned as strikes set to create chaos at Portugal's airports
Ground handler strikes are set to cause significant travel disruption at six Portuguese airports and 12 Spanish airports. In Portugal, SPdH and Menzies staff are striking over low wages, unpaid night shifts, and inadequate parking, affecting Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores. Portuguese strikes are scheduled for every weekend from Friday to Monday throughout August, concluding on 1 September. In Spain, Azul Handling workers, part of the Ryanair group, are striking at 12 airports, including Madrid and Barcelona, with action planned until the end of 2025. The UK Foreign Office has warned travellers of potential delays and cancellations, advising them to check with their airlines or tour operators.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- The Sun
Brit travel strike warning: 17 airports across Spain and Portugal face flight chaos this month
THERE'S bad news on the horizon for holidaymakers heading to Spain and Portugal in August with lots of planned strike action. Across 12 airports in Spain and as many as five in Portugal there's planned industrial action that could result in delayed and cancelled flights for Brits heading abroad this summer. 4 Throughout August, there's lots of planned strike action that could result in many flights being delayed or even cancelled. In Spain, more than 3,000 workers are set to strike with industrial action starting on the weekend of August 15, 2025. The strike will be across three time periods each day from 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11:59pm. The action will then continue each week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of December. Airports that will be affected are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza and Majorca as well as Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela. With the strikes yet to begin, it's unclear how much disruption there will be. However, it's likely walk-outs by Azul Handling will affect some Ryanair flights as it is its handling subsidiary. However a spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.' Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions 4 Flights to and from destinations in Portugal will also be affected. The strike action began at the end of July and will continue until the end of August. Staff who are walking out include the staff working in baggage handling, aircraft servicing and at check-in desks. The industrial action is taking place every week from Friday to Monday until September 1, 2025. So far, the strike action has resulted in delays and cancellations across Portuguese airports including Lisbon, Faro, and Porto Santo. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has recently updated its travel advice before the strike. It read: "Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during July and August may cause delays. "If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator." Other airports in Portugal that are affected include Madeira and the Azores. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Read more on the international 'London' airport that is 3,285 miles from the UK – and no flights to the English city. And check out the rival to world's biggest airport to cost £23.6billion – with 260million passengers and direct UK flights. 4
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Travel warning for Brits heading to Spain amid strikes
More than 3,000 Azul Handling baggage handlers are gearing up to strike on August 15, 16, and 17, followed by every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year. While workers are legally required to provide a "minimum service" yet to be determined, the industrial action could still cause significant disruption for travellers. Azul Handling delivers baggage handling services for Ryanair at its Spanish operations. The strikes have been declared following hospitality workers on 12 Spanish islands announcing their own walkout plans. Spanish strikes - what airports are affected? Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago airports are set to be affected. The strike will impact all operations and work centres in Spain and will occur between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The union has stated its decision to strike stems from what it perceives as a failure to create stable employment and consolidate working hours for permanent part-time workers. Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed The unions said in a statement: "UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce." The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector is calling for the firm to reverse the penalties, adhere to Joint Commission recommendations and immediately begin negotiations to enhance working conditions for more than 3,000 affected employees across the country. A Ryanair spokesperson said: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Recommended Reading: The news comes as Brits travelling to Spain from October onwards will also be met with a different-looking entry system. Instead of a paper stamp upon entering countries such as Spain and Italy, there will be a new digital scan. The changes will take place in Europe's Schengen zone within Europe.
