Strikes at Palma de Mallorca Airport have begun from today, July 27, 2026, with two separate groups of workers walking out, prompting advice for passengers to travel with hand luggage only.
The first strike involves technical staff responsible for baggage belts, sorting systems, tarmac vehicles, and boarding bridges, running from July 27 to 30. This action affects all airlines operating at Palma, Ibiza, and Menorca, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2. Delays at baggage carousels and slower aircraft turnarounds are expected.
Swissport Staff Strike
From Tuesday, July 28, Swissport ground handlers—who manage check-in desks, baggage handling, and ramp services—plan strikes on July 28, August 1, 4, and 8, during morning (7am-12pm) and evening (7pm-10pm) peak periods, over pay and working conditions. Airlines handled by Swissport include Tui, Condor, TAP Air Portugal, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Albaster, and DAT.
Impact and Advice
Palma Airport stated that under Spanish law, strikes cannot halt services, but only 50% to 60% of international flights on high-demand routes are guaranteed to operate, along with 100% of inter-island flights and 70% to 80% of domestic flights. Widespread cancellations are unlikely, but passengers should expect longer waiting times and operational bottlenecks.
Delays may occur at check-in and bag drop desks, boarding gates during walkouts, and baggage carousels upon landing. The airport advises passengers to bring only hand luggage to bypass potential delays, check in online, and monitor airline apps. Arriving the standard two to three hours before departure is recommended; arriving half a day early can worsen congestion.
Non-Swissport airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 may experience minor knock-on effects, but any disruption is expected to be minimal.
