Holidaymakers headed for Spain this Easter face severe disruption as airport staff stage an “indefinite” strike across the country.
Industrial action by ground staff is scheduled at 12 major airports, including Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, Palma, Ibiza, Malaga and the Canary Islands from Monday.
Groundforce and Menzies employees are set to strike over an ongoing pay dispute.
The Groundforce strikes originally planned to start on Friday but were postponed to Monday, 30 March.
Spanish airport operator Aena said in a notice: “Groundforce staff have called an indefinite strike starting 30 March. Partial work stoppages will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during three time slots: 5-7am, 11am-5pm, and 10pm-midnight.
“Please contact the airline to find out the status of your flight.”
Menzies workers were also due to strike last weekend. Although strike action was called off, additional 24-hour strikes by baggage handlers from 2 to 6 April are still scheduled to take place.
In September, travellers to Madrid faced delays and lengthy queues after airport security staff started an “indefinite” strike.
“Full-time” industrial action by security control staff at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport caused major disruption to operations.
On 14 September, Aena said on X: “Due to the strike action called by the security staff of the company Trablisa at AS Madrid-Barajas, time taken to pass through security may be increased.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Travellers on social media reported queues up to 90 minutes, with some missing flights after getting stuck in the “chaos” at Terminal 4.
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