Brits facing travel chaos if going to Spain these summer holidays

If you’re planning a trip to Spain this summer you may be up for an unpleasant surprise.

The Spanish Union of Airline Pilots (SEPLA) is planning a series of industrial strikes during the coming months. With over a dozen airlines impacted, it can potentially lead to dramatic consequences for thousands of families.

Spanish airport staff have already warned that Brits may face chaotic queues at airports during the holiday season due to having to have their passports stamped after Brexit.

Also, new summer security measures were introduced on this Spanish island, in a bid to combat antisocial behaviour and improve the safety of tourists and residents.

The details of the strikes are yet to be confirmed but earlier this month, SEPLA announced new action on May 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 and 30 and June 1 and 2 at all air bases in Spain.

Further stand-stills could be called off if the union is able to reach an agreement with the airlines involved.

Airlines strike in Spain could affect millions of travellers this summer

​​Britons travelling to Spain could face major flight disruption this summer as more than a dozen airlines are considering strike action.

The Spanish Union of Airline Pilots (SEPLA) has union representation in several popular airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Jet2 and Norwegian. Other impacted airlines include Air Nostrum, Air Europa, Iberia, Iberia Express, Swiftair, Plus Ultra, Eurowings and Evelop.

Spanish legislation requires a minimum amount of service even on strike days, which can lessen the impact of industrial action.

SEPLA believes that airlines feel no pressure to negotiate with staff and that the minimum service rules are interfering with the ‘constitutional right to strike’ for the workers.

They are unhappy that on current strike days called by Air Nostrum and Air Europa, 90% of flights will still run due to Spanish law. This means that out of about 80 flights scheduled to run, only around 18 to 20 flights were cancelled.

They are hoping to encourage other groups, such as cabin crew and air traffic controllers to join the strikes.

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How likely is it that you will be impacted

The union has warned that the pilots will not halt their action and said there would be more strikes this summer if an agreement wasn't reached.

Earlier this month, SEPLA announced new days on stand-still on May 22, 23, 25, 26,29 and 30 and June 1 and 2 at all air bases in Spain.

As Spain is a leading destination for travellers from the UK, millions of Brits could be affected.

You should be contacted by your airline directly if your flight is impacted by strike action.

Read more:

⋙ Travel warning issued for Brits going to Spain for their summer holidays

⋙ Brits allegedly offered £2,600 to move to Spain? What you should know about this claim

Sources used:

- Express: 'Britons travelling to Spain could face major flight disruption this summer'