Spain Ground Staff Strikes Begin March 27: Key Airports Facing Possible Delays

Travellers heading to Spain during the busy Semana Santa holiday period may face delays as airport ground staff begin strike action from March 27, 2026. The industrial action could slow down key airport services such as baggage handling, boarding, and aircraft turnaround at several major airports.

With Easter being one of Spain’s busiest travel seasons, even small disruptions can quickly build into longer waiting times. Authorities are advising passengers to check flight updates regularly and arrive earlier than usual.

Why Spain’s Airport Workers Are Striking

The dispute is linked to pay, working conditions, and broader labour agreements between unions and airport service companies.

Talks held on March 20, 2026, at Spain’s Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service did not lead to an agreement, prompting unions to move ahead with strike plans.

Groundforce staff began an indefinite strike on March 27. Other airport handling workers have also scheduled 24-hour walkouts on March 28 and 29, followed by additional strike action between April 2 and April 6.

Further stoppages are planned on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during specific time slots:

• 5:00 am to 7:00 am
• 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
• 10:00 pm to midnight

These timings are expected to affect both early morning departures and late evening flights.

Airports Likely to See Disruption

Some of Spain’s busiest airports are expected to be affected, including:

• Madrid-Barajas Airport
• Barcelona-El Prat Airport
• Palma de Mallorca Airport
• Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
• Alicante-Elche Airport
• Valencia Airport
• Ibiza Airport
• Bilbao Airport
• Gran Canaria Airport
• Tenerife South and Tenerife North Airports
• Lanzarote Airport
• Fuerteventura Airport

According to local reports, Palma Airport alone could see disruption affecting up to 800,000 travellers during the holiday period, with around 80 per cent of hotels already open after the winter season.

What Travellers Should Expect at Airports

Spanish law requires minimum service levels during strikes in essential sectors, which means flights will continue to operate. However, delays are still possible.

Passengers may notice:

• Longer queues at check-in counters
• Slower baggage handling
• Delays during boarding and disembarkation
• Waiting time at luggage collection areas

Airports have advised travellers to monitor airline notifications closely and allow extra time for airport procedures.

Tips for Travelling During the Strike Period

If you are travelling through Spain between March 27 and early April, a little preparation can help avoid stress:

• Check flight status before leaving for the airport
• Arrive earlier than usual, especially for international flights
• Keep important items in cabin baggage in case luggage is delayed
• Follow updates from airlines and airport authorities

Semana Santa is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in Spain. While flights are expected to operate, passengers should be prepared for possible delays as airport services adjust to reduced staffing levels.