The strike action by air traffic controller unions is set to start on Friday, April 17 at a total of 14 airports in major European holiday destinations
(Image: Boarding1Now via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers are preparing for ‘indefinite’ disruption from today at major Spanish holiday destinations. A total of 14 airports across popular holiday spots are seeing strike action from Friday, April 17.
Air traffic controller unions have warned that the industrial action is set to be ‘indefinite’. Reports in the Spanish media suggest that the action by USCA begins on April 17 at Canary Island favourites including Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – with nine additional locations also impacted.
Further popular holiday destinations facing airport strikes include mainland spots such as Jerez de la Frontera, La Coruña, Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Vigo and Seville. Castellón, Burgos, Huesca and Ciudad Real are also seeing industrial action.
Travel website Travel On World is warning tourists that the biggest risk is likely to be “delays, late aircraft rotations, missed connections and short-notice timetable changes.” The site points out that for many travellers, the primary worry isn’t a complete halt to operations.
Instead, it’s aircraft departing late from earlier destinations, inbound flights being delayed, departure slots being shuffled around, turnaround times becoming tighter and passengers being left to endure lengthy waits for concrete information about what’s going on. Because air traffic control is classified as an essential service, Spanish authorities retain the power to impose minimum service levels, which should ensure that some flights continue to operate, reports the Mirror.
This means certain flights are likely to depart close to their scheduled times, though others may experience significant delays, while some could be cancelled altogether if airlines decide the knock-on disruption has become too severe.
What are my rights over the Spain
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, if your UK flight is delayed and a post-Brexit regulation known as UK261 applies, your airline is obliged to provide care while you’re waiting. This includes supplying food and drink depending on how long you’re delayed, plus accommodation if you’re stranded overnight.
You may also be entitled to compensation if the delay means you reach your destination airport more than three hours late. Should the delay exceed five hours, you can choose not to travel and claim a refund.
What is the Spain strike action all about?
The airports hit by the industrial action share a common link – all are run by SAERCO. Further strikes had previously been expected at Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, tied to a separate ongoing dispute involving Groundforce baggage handlers.
However, it emerged earlier this week that this action has now been suspended. Yet travellers now face yet another bout of industrial action. Air traffic control unions say they’re striking over staff shortages and disputes around shift scheduling – and passengers should prepare for potential disruption.
USCA spokesman José Luis Feliú told El Espejo Canario that delays are a genuine possibility. The popular destinations remain busy throughout the year, with Aena reporting that 5.7million British holidaymakers visited the Canary Islands in 2023 alone.
Even beyond the school holidays, the islands continue to be a top choice for British travellers — and it’s easy to see why. According to the Hello Canary Islands website, with 4,800 daylight hours annually, the Canary Islands boast more sunshine than anywhere else in Europe.
