Ryanair Passengers Warned of Ongoing Strike Disruptions in Spain
Travellers flying with Ryanair in and out of Spain could face disruption from mid-August onwards as baggage handlers at several major airports prepare to strike.
The General Union of Workers (UGT) has called a nationwide strike targeting Azul Handling, the ground services provider for Ryanair Group airlines in Spain. The strike is in response to what the union describes as “ongoing precarious working conditions” and “constant violations of labour rights.”
When and Where Are the Strikes Happening?
The strike will begin with three consecutive days of walkouts on 15, 16 and 17 August and will take place in three daily time slots:
- 05:00 to 09:00
- 12:00 to 15:00
- 21:00 to 23:59
After that, the strikes will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31 December 2025.
The industrial action will affect Azul Handling operations at key airports across Spain, including:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Malaga
- Alicante
- Ibiza
- Palma de Mallorca
- Girona
- Tenerife South
- Lanzarote
- Santiago de Compostela
If you have upcoming travel plans through any of the affected airports, especially with Ryanair, it is strongly recommended that you check your flight status in advance and stay updated via airline communications.
Why Are Workers Striking?
The strikes come after failed attempts by the Air Sector of FeSMC-UGT to initiate talks through Spain’s Interconfederal Service of Mediation and Arbitration (SIMA). According to the union, Azul Handling is accused of:
- Failing to stabilise working hours for part-time permanent staff
- Forcing employees to take on extra hours
- Excessively penalising workers with disciplinary measures
- Ignoring recommendations on pay and economic protections
- Imposing illegal limits on workers returning from medical leave
- Blocking requests for family-friendly schedules
UGT is demanding that the company end these practices and engage in meaningful negotiations to improve conditions for the 3,000+ affected workers.
“Azul Handling continues to exploit and pressure its workforce in breach of basic labour rights,” said José Manuel Pérez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT air union.
While it’s still unclear exactly how many flights will be delayed or disrupted, the planned walkouts could have a major impact on baggage handling and ground services during peak travel hours. Travellers should plan ahead, monitor updates closely, and consider allowing extra time at the airport.
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel between most European countries. However, non-EU nationals residing in the UK, such as those on visas or residence permits, may still need to apply for a Schengen visa before visiting Spain. This visa allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Travellers are advised to check their visa requirements and apply well in advance, especially during busy travel seasons. If you need assistance with your Schengen visa application, contact IaM.
Do you have plans to visit Spain? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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