Iberia canceled 444 flights in January due to an airport employee strike scheduled for January 5th to 8th. These cancellations affect 270 Iberia flights, 64 flights from Iberia’s low-cost subsidiary Iberia Express, and 110 flights from regional carrier Air Nostrum. The strike coincides with Epiphany on January 6, a Spanish holiday that honors three major early events of Jesus Christ. Passenger traffic is expected to face major disruptions in Spain as Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season.
Why are airport workers on strike?
Spain’s two largest labor unions, the General Union of Trabajadores (UGT) and the Committee of Obreras (CCOO), are leading the strike. The strike is aimed at resolving a labor dispute over ground workers being stripped of their handling licenses at Spain’s main airport after ground workers received new managers in September. Spain’s national airport authority Aena has hired a new contractor for the services Iberia previously provided to its airports through its employees. The new contractor’s promise to retain employees and provide good working conditions was not enough for airport workers, as they did not want a new manager. This decision will have a major impact on Spain’s aviation industry, as Aena owns more than 40 airports in Spain.
How will the strike affect my flights and travel plans?
The flight cancellations will disrupt the travel plans of 45,641 passengers as people return to work after the Christmas holidays. Flights were canceled at 29 airports across Spain, including Iberia’s hubs Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Despite hundreds of reported cancellations, 76% of Iberia’s scheduled flights are still expected to operate on time, including all of Iberia’s long-haul flights. The canceled Iberia flights were on domestic routes or within the European Union. Iberia Express and Air Nostrum will operate 88% and 72% of their flights on schedule, respectively.
Passengers who booked flights scheduled to depart between January 5 and 8 can request changes or refunds for canceled flights. Customers whose flights have not yet been canceled can also change their travel dates or request a ticket to avoid potential disruptions. Passengers who are unable or unwilling to change their itinerary can still board the plane, but Iberia advises them to check in online and arrive at the airport earlier than usual due to expected disruptions. .
The strike will have minimal impact on passengers traveling outside the European Union, as long-haul international flights will continue to operate. Iberia operates these routes from its hub in Madrid to destinations in Africa, the Americas and the Middle East. Flights to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) will resume in October 2024, resuming direct flights to Asia. However, domestic and European travelers on certain routes will face difficulties returning home from holiday travel.
Strikes are becoming synonymous with European aviation
Employee-led strikes have become a staple of the airline industry in recent years. Several strikes involving airport workers such as air traffic controllers and baggage handlers occurred in Europe alone in 2023. Collective bargaining events are affecting major European airports such as London Gatwick (LGW) and Paris Orly (ORY). Unions typically plan strikes during periods of high ridership, such as summer and winter holidays. Airport employees are expected to continue demanding improved pay and working conditions in 2024, based on their 2023 activity levels.