Many of Spain’s Major Airports Set to Face Strike Action This Week

By Steffan Rhys, Deputy Content Hub Director
Published: 13:52, 29 Mar 2026 | Updated: 14:06, 29 Mar 2026

As Easter approaches, UK tourists planning to soak up the sun in Spain should brace themselves for potential disruptions. Workers at several of Spain’s major airports are set to strike, impacting ground-handling services at key locations including Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, Palma, Ibiza, Málaga, and various airports in the Canary Islands.

Details of the Strike Action

The strike action is primarily driven by salary disputes involving Groundforce and Menzies workers. Initially scheduled to commence on Friday, the Groundforce strikes have now been postponed to start on Monday. These strikes are expected to occur at specific times throughout the day—mornings, afternoons, and evenings—and will continue indefinitely. Reports indicate that there is currently no information on whether further suspensions of the strike action will occur.

Menzies workers had also planned to strike over the weekend, but that action was suspended. However, 24-hour strikes are still scheduled from April 2 to April 6, which could further complicate travel plans for holidaymakers.

Groundforce operates at numerous airports, including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, and Málaga, while Menzies services airports like Barcelona, Palma, and Gran Canaria.

Impact on Travelers

Travelers heading to Spain during this busy Easter season may face significant challenges. According to the Traveler website, the strikes could lead to longer queues, baggage delays, and potential timetable disruptions at some of the country’s busiest airports. The strikes are expected to be partial rather than complete shutdowns, typically occurring during peak times throughout the day. This pattern is reminiscent of previous labor disputes at Madrid, where limited ground handling strikes resulted in bottlenecks at baggage claim and boarding, although flights continued to operate under minimum service rules.

For most holidaymakers, the most noticeable impact will likely be longer wait times and slower processing rather than outright flight cancellations. Travel and Tour World, a B2B travel publisher, advises travelers to regularly check their flight status and stay updated on the latest developments.

Additional Challenges: The EU’s New Entry/Exit System

The strike action is not the only hurdle travelers may face. The rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is also expected to cause delays. This system, which has been in the works since October and is set to be fully operational by April 10, requires all travelers from the UK and other non-EU countries to be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border points.

The Telegraph reports that both the Home Office and travel organizations are advising holidaymakers to allow extra time for their journeys, as predicted queues could range from two to four hours at busier airports. Delays on return journeys have already resulted in some travelers missing their flights home, even when they arrived within the recommended two-hour window.

Recent experiences from travelers highlight the severity of the situation. One individual at Tenerife airport reported spending three hours in a queue at passport control, only to see their flight leave with a fraction of the passengers. Another traveler shared her frustration at a Paris airport, where she encountered a long line at a single kiosk, causing significant stress as the clock ticked down to her flight’s departure.

Preparing for Travel

Given the potential for both strike-related disruptions and delays from the new EES, travelers are encouraged to plan accordingly. Arriving at the airport well in advance and staying informed about flight statuses will be crucial for a smoother travel experience. As the situation develops, keeping an eye on updates from airlines and airport authorities will help mitigate the impact of these challenges.

In summary, while the allure of Spain’s sunny beaches remains strong, travelers should be prepared for a potentially tumultuous journey ahead.