A fresh wave of airport strikes is set to affect major Spanish holiday destinations this August, impacting passengers flying with various carriers. The industrial action has been called by the UGT union, representing ground handling staff employed by the Menzies group. The walkouts are scheduled to coincide with the peak summer travel season.
Which airlines and airports are affected?
The industrial action announced by the UGT is aimed at Menzies Aviation Ibérica, the company responsible for ground services for several international airlines across Spain. The strike will be held at the five Spanish airports where the company assists the affected carriers. The airports where disruption is expected are:
- Barcelona-El Prat (BCN)
- Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)
- Alicante-Elche (ALC)
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
- Tenerife Sur (TFS)
Passengers travelling with the following airlines to or from these airports on the strike dates should prepare for potential disruption:
- easyJet
- Emirates
- Norwegian
- British Airways
- Wizz Air
- American Airlines
What are the exact strike dates?
The industrial action is not a continuous walkout but is targeted across the final three weekends of August 2025.
- Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August
- Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August
- Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August
Why are the ground handling staff striking?
The industrial action stems from what the UGT union describes as Menzies' serious non-compliance with existing labour agreements. According to the union's statement, the grievances affecting over 600 workers are numerous. They include persistent errors in payslips, the non-payment of agreed salary progressions, and abuses related to split-shift working patterns. Furthermore, the union highlights a lack of fair rotation for rest days, the arbitrary imposition of holiday dates, and insufficient staffing levels to cope with the high operational workload.
Potential impact on UK and European travellers
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.
Travellers booked on flights with easyJet, Emirates, British Airways, or the other impacted carriers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport for the most up-to-date information.
A summer of disruption for Spanish travel
This latest industrial action by Menzies staff contributes to an already complex summer for Spain's aviation sector. Travellers now face uncertainty from multiple disputes during the peak holiday season, with the UGT union warning that conflict will increase if its demands are not met. The announcement comes amid the ongoing strike by Ryanair's baggage handlers, a separate dispute which is scheduled to last until the end of 2025.
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