Travellers heading to and from Spain and also Seville, Valencia, Tenerife, Madrid South during the busy August holiday season might run into flight delays this year.

Ground staff from Azul Handling, an important provider for Ryanair, plan to strike for three days, from August 15 to August 17, 2025. The stoppage could disrupt hundreds of Ryanair flights at the country’s biggest airports.

Strike Details: A Threat to Spain’s Tourism Industry

Azul Handling provides essential ground services such as baggage handling, aircraft refueling, and boarding management for Ryanair at several key Spanish airports. The strike, called by the UGT union with backing from CGT, is expected to cause major disruptions at airports across Spain, particularly during peak travel times. The affected airports include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South.

The work stoppages are planned for three peak travel windows each day:

• 05:00–09:00
• 12:00–15:00
• 21:00–23:59

This disruption comes at a crucial time for Spain’s tourism industry, with the August holiday period being one of the busiest for international travel. Tourists and locals alike will be impacted by the expected delays and cancellations, potentially affecting vacations and tourism experiences.

Impact on Ryanair Flights and Passenger Experience

Ryanair has acknowledged the strike but reassured passengers that it does not anticipate significant delays. However, the airline’s statement highlights that ground services are essential for the smooth operation of flights. The strike may lead to delays in baggage handling, aircraft refueling, and passenger boarding, which could have cascading effects on Ryanair’s flight schedule.

Tourists planning to travel during this period are encouraged to monitor their flight status closely and prepare for potential disruptions. Though Ryanair claims minimal impact, passengers should anticipate longer wait times and possible changes to flight schedules.

Compensation Rights for Affected Passengers

Passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. The regulation grants compensation for delays exceeding three hours or cancellations unless the disruption is due to “extraordinary circumstances.”

The key question regarding this strike revolves around whether it qualifies as an “extraordinary circumstance.” Previous rulings by the European Court of Justice suggest that strikes by subcontracted staff, such as those employed by Azul Handling, may not necessarily exempt airlines from compensating passengers. If the strike leads to significant disruption, Ryanair passengers may be eligible for compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their delay or cancellation.

What Tourists Should Do to Minimize Disruption

Tourists travelling to Spain during the strike period should take proactive steps to minimise the impact of any disruption. Here are a few key recommendations:

• Check Flight Status: Always check the status of your Ryanair flight on the airline’s website or mobile app before arriving at the airport.
• Arrive Early: Given the potential for delays, arriving early will ensure you have ample time for any unexpected changes.
• Prepare for Alternative Plans: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, explore alternative routes or departure times with Ryanair or other airlines.
• Know Your Compensation Rights: Familiarise yourself with your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 to ensure you claim compensation if necessary.

Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Impact on Spanish Tourism

If strikes go ahead and delays pile up, Spain’s tourism sector could feel the heat. Summer is peak travel time, especially for visitors from the UK and across Europe, and serious hold-ups can lead to unhappy travelers. That wave of complaints can linger and harm Spain’s image as the first choice for a getaway. To keep visitor trust, the Spanish government and tourism agencies might have to jump in with extra services or public messages to ready travelers and ease any panic.

Tourism is the backbone of the Spanish economy, and a choke in flights by Ryanair, which serves many key routes, won’t stop with the airlines. Hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas depend on the arriving traffic, so a messy travel schedule can ripple out, squeezing local incomes. Smooth flights, then, are not just about planes in the sky; they’re about keeping the whole tourism chain and Spain’s economy sky-high.

Image credit- Ryanair