Mar 27, 2026, 5:53 p.mMar 27, 2026, 5:53 p.m
But no strike at airports at Easter in Spain.Image: keystone
Shortly before the start of the Easter travel wave, strikes by ground staff at Spanish airports were postponed at the last minute. The work stoppages by employees of the handling companies Groundforce and Menzies, originally planned for Friday and the weekend, are not scheduled to begin before Monday.
The postponement was agreed at short notice during negotiations for better working conditions and higher wages, a spokesman for the UGT union told the German Press Agency upon request. However, the spokesman emphasized that a final all-clear cannot be given. Several Spanish media had previously reported on it.
The threatened labor disputes could affect more than a dozen airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and tourist destinations in Mallorca and the Canary Islands. The ground staff takes care of central processes such as baggage handling, boarding and aircraft handling on the ground.
Many flight cancellations are not expected
Groundforce employees originally wanted to go on strike for an indefinite period from Friday. The plan was to stop work for several time slots on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Menzies was due to strike at the weekend and all day between April 2nd and 6th.
According to the media, on Friday the situation at Mallorca Airport Son Sant Joan and at all other airports in Spain was largely normal. However, if the negotiations fail and strikes do occur, travelers would have to be prepared for longer queues and delays.
However, a large number of flight cancellations are not expected. Because of the so-called “minimum services” required by law in Spain, usually only a small proportion of workers are allowed to go on strike.
Spain is also one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe at Easter. According to airport operator Aena, more than 70,500 flights are expected during Holy Week. In many places, hotels are already largely fully booked. (sda/awp/dpa)
More about traveling at Easter: