Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a critical update regarding widespread strikes impacting airports across Spain, with a total of 13 airports currently affected. The industrial action, led by Groundforce workers who handle services for Air Europa flights, is causing significant travel disruption, particularly as it coincides with the busy Easter weekend. Reports indicate that passengers are returning from Spain without their luggage, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Affected Airports and Strike Details
The strikes are scheduled for today, April 1, and Good Friday, April 3, with concerns that they could become indefinite if unresolved. The airports impacted include major hubs such as Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid-Barajas, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Bilbao, Lanzarote, Alicante, Valencia, and Malaga. This widespread action is part of a broader labour dispute involving ground handling operations.
Passenger Experiences and Union Statements
Passengers have reported long queues and checked baggage left unattended on the tarmac during the first day of the strike, with notable congestion at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport. Orlando Robledano, secretary of the aviation sector at the UGT union, noted that the strike’s impact on Canary Island airports has been somewhat mitigated due to minimum services imposed by Groundforce on all Lanzarote Airport employees. However, the most affected route remains Madrid-Gran Canaria, where Air Europa operates seven daily flights.
Simon Calder’s Warning on Easter Disruption
Simon Calder, The Independent’s travel expert, briefly addressed the strike while discussing overall travel disruption over the Easter period. He cautioned that the strikes could 'cause problems' for travellers, advising them to hope for the best but prepare for delays and disruptions. Calder stated, 'There's news of possible strikes by ground handlers at all the most popular Spanish airports. That could also cause problems, but at the moment, all you can do is hope for the best, be prepared for delays and disruption. Good luck everyone.'
Additional Travel Concerns: EU Entry/Exit System
In addition to the strikes, Calder highlighted ongoing issues with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to be fully implemented at all EU airports and ports from Friday, April 10. Brits are being urged to allow extra time at borders as the system replaces physical passport stamps, though technical problems and long delays have raised suggestions of a potential delay. Calder warned of possible queues of up to two or more hours due to the new checks, but expressed optimism that rules might be temporarily suspended where necessary. He emphasised that travellers should be prepared for long waits, noting that the system will also affect journeys back from Europe.
This combination of strikes and new border procedures underscores a challenging period for holidaymakers, with authorities and experts urging vigilance and patience during the Easter travel rush.
