Labor action by Ryanair employees in Spain causes flight disruptions
The ongoing strike by ground staff at Azul Handling, a ground handling company affiliated with Ryanair, is causing delays for air travelers to and from Spain. The strike, which began on August 15, 2025, is scheduled to last until the end of the year, with work stoppages occurring every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The strike is affecting multiple airlines and airports across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. The strike is occurring in three daily time slots: 05:00–09:00, 12:00–15:00, and 21:00–23:59.
Travelers should be prepared for potential longer times for baggage drop-off and security checks, as well as possible delays. It is advisable to check the status of flights in advance and arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
In addition to Azul Handling, the handling company Menzies, which works for several airlines, has announced weekend strikes until the end of August 2025. This indicates some level of coordinated or similar industrial action across different ground handling providers at Spanish airports.
The legal requirement for minimum staffing during strikes in Spain effectively limits the impact of the strikes, and the airport operator Aena's online displays report only slight delays for major airports due to the strike at Azul Handling, with no flight cancellations. However, baggage issues are expected due to the strike.
The UGT union accuses the management of Azul Handling of violating strike laws, but the company has not commented publicly on these allegations. The workers at Azul Handling are demanding better working conditions and higher wages.
Passengers flying with Ryanair and through affected airports are advised to check flight status in advance and expect potential delays or baggage handling difficulties due to the strikes. It is a challenging time for air travelers, and it is essential to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth journey.
The strikes at Azul Handling and Menzies are causing political tension, as travelers face delays and potential baggage issues, affecting multiple airlines and airports across Spain. General-news outlets are intensively covering the ongoing industrial action by ground staff, with passengers advised to stay informed and plan their trips accordingly.
