Spain – Airport Ground Staff Strikes

Spanish staff of the airport ground handling company Swissport will strike at eight Spanish airports on varying dates beginning June 28 through July 15. In particular, significant disruptions are likely at Barcelona El Prat. International airlines, including Lufthansa and Air Berlin, have already canceled some flights to Spain in anticipation of significant disruptions. Unless averted, the following airports will be affected for the provisionally announced periods:

• Alicante Airport: 1400-1800 June 29; July 2, 6, 9, 13
• Almeria Airport: June 27; July 5, 12 (24 hours)
• Barcelona El Prat: June 28-30; July 1, 8, 15 (24 hours)
• Fuerteventura Airport: July 1, 8, 15 (24 hours)
• Jerez Airport: June 28, July 12 (24 hours)
• Madrid Barajas Airport: freight terminal: June 28, July 5, 12 (24 hours)
• Malaga Airport: 0900-1200, 1800-2000 June 29-30; July 1, 8, 15
• Valencia Airport: 1300-1700 July 2, 4, 9, 11

Although significant flight disruptions are likely during the industrial actions, airline workers cannot stage a total shutdown because Spanish law requires them to maintain minimum service levels.