The industrial action, led by workers employed by Groundforce, is set to begin on March 27 and will affect operations at 12 major airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Málaga.
Rolling and 24-Hour Strikes Planned
According to industry and union announcements reported in Spanish and international media, the strike will take the form of recurring walkouts on multiple days each week, combined with full-day stoppages during peak travel periods.
Workers plan partial strikes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in several time slots throughout the day, alongside 24-hour strikes scheduled for late March and early April.
Spanish outlet Majorca Daily Bulletin warned that airports such as Palma could face severe operational pressure, with thousands of passengers affected daily.
Spanish Media Warn of “Severe Disruption”
Local Spanish press has highlighted the scale of the potential impact. Reports suggest that the strikes could hit key tourist gateways across both mainland Spain and island destinations such as the Balearics and Canary Islands.
In coverage cited by regional outlets, the situation has been described as a major test for Spain’s tourism infrastructure ahead of the high season, particularly as airports prepare for a surge in international arrivals.
Some estimates indicate that hundreds of thousands of passengers could be affected in major hubs alone if no agreement is reached.
Labour Dispute Behind the Walkout
The strikes stem from ongoing disputes over pay, working conditions and staffing levels. Unions representing ground-handling workers have called for improved contracts and job security, warning that current conditions are unsustainable amid rising passenger volumes.
Industry sources note that similar labour tensions have been building across Spain’s transport sector, with unions increasingly willing to escalate action during peak travel periods.
EES System Adds Further Pressure
The disruption risk is compounded by the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is already causing delays at border controls.
Travel experts warn that the combination of strike action and new border procedures could lead to long queues and missed flights, particularly during Easter—one of Spain’s busiest tourism periods.
Tourism Sector on Alert
Spain, one of the world’s leading турист destinations, faces a critical test as the strikes threaten to disrupt a key revenue period.
Airlines, tour operators and airport authorities are closely monitoring negotiations, while contingency plans are expected to include minimum service requirements to limit cancellations.
What Comes Next
If no agreement is reached, unions have signalled that the strikes could continue intermittently beyond Easter, potentially extending disruption into the summer season.
For now, travellers are being advised to check flight schedules regularly and allow extra time at airports, as Spain’s tourism sector braces for one of its most challenging operational periods in recent years.
