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Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways Flights Face Major Disruptions Due to Strikes in Spain

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August 10, 2025 |

British holidaymakers heading to Spain are facing a double blow of travel disruptions this summer, with major strikes set to affect major airports and airlines starting on August 15. Travelers flying with Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways could experience significant delays and cancellations as unions announce repeated walkouts in the coming weeks.

The labor unrest primarily involves ground handling staff at key Spanish airports. Over 1,500 workers employed by Menzies, a major ground services provider for numerous airlines, including easyJet, British Airways, and Wizz Air, will begin their own industrial action in mid-August. Meanwhile, Ryanair’s baggage handlers, part of Azul Handling, are also preparing for their own strike actions. This double disruption is expected to compound delays for thousands of passengers heading to and from Spain.

Strikes at Spanish Airports Set to Affect Multiple Airlines

The union UGT has confirmed that strikes involving ground staff at Menzies will impact five major airports in Spain: Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante, Palma, Malaga, and Tenerife South. These strikes are scheduled to occur on August 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31. The UGT union has cited several unresolved labor disputes with Menzies, including issues related to salary breaches, work schedule disorganization, and shortages of staff.

In addition to these strikes, Ryanair is facing its own labor unrest. Baggage handlers at Ryanair’s handling subsidiary, Azul Handling, will strike on August 15, 16, and 17, and then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until at least December 31. This industrial action, which involves over 3,000 workers, is expected to disrupt luggage handling, causing further delays and potential cancellations.

Impact on Airlines and Travelers

The impact of these strikes will be widespread, affecting several major airlines flying to Spain. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and other international carriers relying on Menzies and Azul Handling services are all likely to be affected.

  • Ryanair: The strikes will disrupt operations at Ryanair’s bases in major Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Malaga, and Palma. This could lead to delays in luggage handling, and in the worst case, flight cancellations.
  • easyJet and British Airways: Menzies provides services to these airlines as well, meaning travelers may face delays in boarding and baggage handling at Spanish airports.
  • International Airlines: Other airlines like Emirates, American Airlines, Norwegian, and Turkish Airlines also rely on Menzies, and disruptions are expected to ripple across many flights to Spain.

Reasons Behind the Strikes

The UGT union has outlined several grievances, including what they consider to be “serious and repeated breaches of labor agreements” by Menzies. These breaches include issues with salary payments, working hours, and a lack of staff to handle the increased workload. The union is also upset by what it claims are illegal restrictions on workers’ rights, particularly regarding medical discharges and family leave. As tensions escalate, the union has called for mediation by the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA).

Ryanair’s strike, meanwhile, is also rooted in workers’ rights issues, including sanctions on employees and concerns over precarious working conditions. The airline’s baggage handling staff are protesting what they describe as an “abusive” work environment and the imposition of excessive overtime hours.

What Travelers Can Expect

  • Flight Delays and Cancellations: Both Ryanair and Menzies ground staff strikes are expected to cause significant delays, especially during the busiest travel times. Flight cancellations are possible, particularly during the peak strike days.
  • Baggage Handling Issues: With over 3,000 workers on strike, travelers can expect delays in baggage handling at major airports such as Barcelona and Madrid. This could affect luggage delivery times and potentially lead to lost luggage.
  • Increased Wait Times: Expect longer wait times at check-in counters and security lines, as ground staff shortages may lead to slower processing times at affected airports.

Quick Tips for Affected Travelers

  • Check Your Flight Status: Stay updated by checking your airline’s website or app for the latest information on your flight status, especially during the strike days. Look out for potential delays or cancellations.
  • Arrive Early: Given the increased chance of delays and long wait times, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to ensure enough time for check-in and security procedures.
  • Pack Light: If possible, pack light to reduce the chances of issues with checked luggage, as baggage handling delays are expected during the strikes.
  • Prepare for Long Lines: Be patient and prepared for longer queues at check-in and security. Bring snacks, entertainment, and any necessary medications to make your wait more comfortable.
  • Look for Alternative Travel Options: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, consider looking into other airlines or train options for travel to Spain. If you’re already in Spain, consider alternative airports that may not be as affected by the strike action.

Long-Term Effects on Business and Tourism

The ongoing strikes will undoubtedly have an impact on business travel and tourism in Spain. As one of the top travel destinations in Europe, Spain’s airports handle millions of international travelers each year. The strikes could affect not only vacationing tourists but also business professionals attending conferences and meetings. With ongoing labor disputes, the negative effects on Spain’s tourism industry may continue for the foreseeable future.

Hotels, car rental services, and local businesses in major tourist destinations like Barcelona and Madrid could also face the fallout, as delayed flights and cancellations result in fewer visitors arriving as planned. Additionally, the disruption may affect the reputation of airlines and airports involved in the strikes.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Travel Disruptions

As travelers head to Spain this summer, it’s crucial to be aware of the ongoing strikes affecting major airports and airlines. By staying informed, planning ahead, and being prepared for potential disruptions, you can minimize the impact on your travel experience. While these strikes are inconvenient, taking proactive steps will help ensure that your trip to Spain remains as smooth as possible despite the challenges.



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Flight Disruptions: 20+ Air China Flights Canceled, Major Routes In Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen Affected

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August 10, 2025 |

On Sunday, Air China announced the cancellation of a number of flights, interrupting travel plans for passengers flying between major cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The disruptions affected key domestic routes with a high volume of flights operating during the morning to late evening.

The impact of these disruptions is being felt by travelers to and from Chengdu Shuangliu International, Beijing Capital International, Guangzhou Baiyun International, and Shenzhen Bao’an International. Air China’s network across China is extensive, and these sudden changes to the flight schedule pose challenges for passengers.

The issue continues to underscore the delicate nature of an airline’s flight schedule—especially during busy travel windows—and calls into question the airline’s ability to respond to unanticipated difficulties.

Flight Cancellations for Air China
The cancellations from Air China impacted several prestigious routes, and for Air China’s passengers, getting to their destinations became complicated. Here, according to government reports, is a list of some of the notable cancellations for Sunday:

The flights CCA4407 and CCA4408 were from and to Chengdu Shuangliu International CTU and Qamdo Bangda BPX, with departure and arrival times of 06:45 and 09:05 AM CST, respectively.
CCA1380 from Guangzhou Baiyun International to Beijing Capital International is also scheduled for 09:25 AM CST
CCA4413 from Chengdu Shuangliu International to Kunming Changshui International, departing at 11:05 CST.
CCA4317 departing from Chengdu Shuangliu International to Guangzhou Baiyun International at 12:05 CST.
CCA1341 from Beijing Capital to Shenzhen Bao’an at 12:10.
CCA1517 from Beijing Capital to Shanghai Hongqiao at 01:40.
CCA4414 from Kunming to Chengdu at 14:00.
CCA1327 from Beijing Capital to Guangzhou at 14:05.
CCA1397 from Beijing Capital to Shenzhen at 14:10.
CCA1718 from Beijing Capital to Hangzhou at 14:40.

CCA4318: Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) to Chengdu Shuangliu International (CTU) – 04:05 PM CST

CCA1342: Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) to Beijing Capital International (PEK) – 05:10 PM CST

CCA4323: Chengdu Shuangliu International (CTU) to Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) – 05:40 PM CST

CCA1518: Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) to Beijing Capital International (PEK) – 05:40 PM CST

CCA1723: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH) to Beijing Capital International (PEK) – 06:10 PM CST

CCA1328: Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) to Beijing Capital International (PEK) – 06:50 PM CST

CCA1398: Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) to Beijing Capital International (PEK) – 07:10 PM CST

CCA2768: Yiwu (YIW) to Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU) – 08:40 PM CST

CCA4324: Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) to Chengdu Shuangliu International (CTU) – 09:40 PM CST

Causes of the Disruption

Although the reason for the cancellations remains unclear, there is a chance it could be linked to the weather, technical difficulties, or delays in the operations. As a result of the size of the domestic network that Air China has, the cancellations create a chain reaction for the many passengers who use these flights to travel to international or regional hubs.

Travelers are advised to contact the airline office for information concerning the rescheduled flights as the situation continues to evolve. Many are now looking for other ways to travel, and for some, trains and buses are a viable alternative.

Passenger and Local Airport Impact

For most travelers, these cancellations are laden with a lot of uncertainty and frustration. Because of the huge volume of passengers being stranded in various airports, local governments and airport authorities are in the process of providing alternative solutions. With the number of people impacted, it is proving to be a major logistical nightmare.

Airports that are typically busy with passengers during peak hours, such as Chendu Shuangliu, Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an, are receiving a high volume of inquiries from travelers trying to book new flights or get information on the status of their flights. For some, the process of obtaining alternative flights could take hours or even days.

What is Air China Doing in Response

Air China has committed to helping passengers affected by the cancellations by providing various rebooking options and refunds where such flights are canceled. Passengers who book their tickets from third parties are advised to reach out to their agents for further help.

Moreover, the airline emphasized that it is trying to fully restore operations and deal with the aftermath of any disruptions as soon as possible. The airline is trying to restore the intended operations and cut down any schedule imbalances due to this occurrence.

More About the Consequences for Domestic Flights

The issue of this cancellation has highlighted the weaknesses that exist in the infrastructure for domestic air travel within the country. The expansion of the technology and the travel infrastructure in China has made air travel one of the most affordable, and hence has made the airline sector of the country to grow.

The case with Air China shows that there is ample room for improvement with regard to air travel efficiency and fulfillment of passenger expectations in the aviation industry. The dependence of the airline sector, as well as the travel sector, is on the service that is offered to the passengers through the airlines.

Final Remarks

Therefore, the flight cancellations have affected passengers and travelers who intended to travel to Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. There are ongoing worries that in the future, incidents such as this one will occur, which will only flag the unreliability and the chaos that might be in the aviation sector.

With travelers modifying their plans, there is a glimmer of hope that normal operations will resume soon. For now, travelers should pay attention to information given by the airline and the local airports to avoid unnecessary delays.



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Japan Airlines Cancels More Than a Dozen Flights on Routes Including Miyazaki, Tokushima, Kochi, Niigata, Osaka, Tokyo, and More Due to Bad Weather, Disrupting Travel

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August 10, 2025 |

Japan Airlines canceled more than a dozen domestic flights and delayed nearly half of its scheduled services as severe weather disrupted travel across Japan, affecting key routes including Miyazaki, Tokushima, Kochi, Niigata, Osaka, and Tokyo. Strong winds, heavy rain, and poor visibility caused by a passing low-pressure system forced the airline to halt operations on certain routes and delay hundreds of others, leaving thousands of passengers facing schedule changes, missed connections, and extended waits at airports nationwide.

The airline confirmed that 11 flights were canceled outright and 385 others — nearly half of its planned domestic operations — faced delays due to bad weather. Conditions included strong winds, heavy rainfall, and poor visibility at several regional and major airports.

The widespread disruption affected both regional connections and major trunk routes, creating a chain reaction that impacted flight schedules, aircraft rotations, and crew assignments across JAL’s network.

Routes and Flights Affected

While delays were widespread, the worst of the disruption was concentrated on routes linking smaller regional airports to major cities. The list of canceled flights included services between:

  • Miyazaki and Fukuoka — JAL3634, scheduled for Sunday at 17:09 JST.
  • Fukuoka and Tokushima — JAL3567 at 18:35 JST.
  • Kochi and Fukuoka — JAL3588 at 18:44 JST.
  • Fukuoka and Osaka (Itami) — JAL2060 at 19:05 JST.
  • Fukuoka and Miyazaki — JAL3639 at 19:22 JST.
  • Niigata and Osaka (Itami) — JAL2250 at 19:25 JST.
  • Tokyo (Haneda) and Fukuoka — JAL335 at 19:45 JST.
  • Osaka (Itami) and Tokyo (Haneda) — JAL134 at 19:45 JST.
  • Osaka (Itami) and Fukuoka — JAL2061 at 20:05 JST.
  • Tokushima and Fukuoka — JAL3568 at 20:15 JST.
  • Fukuoka and Tokyo (Haneda) — JAL304, scheduled for Monday morning at 08:25 JST.

Many other flights on these and nearby routes operated but departed late, in some cases more than an hour behind schedule.

Cause of the Disruption

Meteorological reports indicated that a strong low-pressure system moving across western and central Japan brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and low cloud cover. These conditions made safe landings and take-offs difficult at certain airports, particularly in Kyushu and Shikoku, forcing flight crews to hold, divert, or cancel services.

Weather forecasters warned that unstable conditions would continue through parts of Monday, especially in coastal areas, which could prolong the disruption.

Passenger Impact

For passengers, the impact was immediate and frustrating. Many found themselves waiting for updates in crowded terminals, while others had to arrange alternative transport. At Fukuoka Airport, announcements about cancellations came in rapid succession on Sunday evening, leading to long lines at ticket counters.

Travelers with connections through Tokyo, Osaka, and other major hubs were among the hardest hit. Some missed onward flights to Hokkaido or Okinawa, while others lost valuable time for business or personal engagements.

Japan Airlines advised passengers to check its website and mobile app for real-time updates and to consider rebooking if their flights were flexible. The airline also reminded customers that weather-related delays and cancellations are beyond its control, but that it was making every effort to accommodate affected travelers.

Operational Strain on the Airline

Flight disruptions of this scale can create operational headaches beyond the day itself. Aircraft and crew are positioned according to a precise schedule, and sudden cancellations can cause planes to be out of place for subsequent flights.

For example, an evening cancellation from a regional city to Tokyo might mean a missing aircraft for an early morning departure from Tokyo to another destination. Crews also have maximum duty limits, meaning a delayed evening flight could push pilots or cabin crew beyond their legal working hours, resulting in further cancellations or substitutions.

Japan Airlines, which operates both short regional hops and long domestic routes with larger jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, often relies on tight turnaround times at airports. Bad weather can stretch those turnarounds and disrupt entire rotations.

Context and Past Incidents

Weather-related disruptions are not uncommon for Japan Airlines, especially during typhoon season and in winter months when snow can close northern airports. However, mass delays of this scale in early August are less frequent, often tied to seasonal storms or unusual weather systems.

In past years, similar low-pressure systems have triggered chain disruptions, prompting the airline to add extra recovery flights where possible. This time, with a high volume of weekend travelers, the cancellations had a bigger impact on passenger numbers.

Advice for Travelers

With forecasts predicting ongoing instability in the weather, passengers flying into or out of Japan’s western and central regions are advised to monitor conditions closely. Japan Airlines has set up a dedicated page for weather-related advisories and has urged travelers to sign up for flight alerts.

For those already at airports, staff are assisting with rebooking, overnight arrangements, and alternative routes — though options remain limited during peak travel periods.

Japan Airlines canceled more than a dozen flights and delayed hundreds more after strong winds, heavy rain, and poor visibility from a low-pressure system disrupted routes linking cities such as Miyazaki, Tokushima, Kochi, Niigata, Osaka, and Tokyo.

Looking Ahead

If weather conditions improve, the airline expects operations to stabilize by late Monday or Tuesday morning. However, some knock-on delays may persist into the week as crews and aircraft are repositioned.

Japan Airlines reiterated its apology to customers for the inconvenience caused and stressed that safety remains its top priority.



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Qantas Cancels its Flights Across Australia- Sydney Stands Together With Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth Among The Affected Cities: Here’s Last Minute Update You Need To Know

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August 10, 2025 |

Qantas Airways has announced the cancellation of several flights, impacting key domestic routes and major Australian cities. The affected destinations include Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER), and Adelaide (ADL), where 20 flights were cancelled for August 10,11 and 12, 2025. These cancellations are expected to disrupt travel plans for both domestic and international passengers, particularly during peak travel periods.

The cancellations have raised concerns among travelers and tourism operators, as these cities are popular tourist destinations. The disruptions may affect holiday plans, business travel, and tourism activities, leading to potential economic impacts in the affected regions.

The reason for the cancellation is still not known. However, according to the Bureau of Meteorology‘s forecast, adverse weather conditions may contribute to operational challenges for airlines with airports and air traffic controllers facing difficulties due to reduced visibility, unsafe runway conditions, and disruptions to flight schedules.

Affected Airports and Routes

The following airports and routes are directly impacted by the cancellations, as per Flight Aware:

Passengers scheduled to travel on these routes are advised to check with Qantas for the latest updates on flight statuses and to explore alternative travel options if necessary.

Impact on Tourism and Local Economies

The recent flight cancellations are poised to significantly disrupt tourism and local economies in the affected Australian cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are key tourism hubs, drawing millions of domestic and international visitors annually for leisure, business, and cultural experiences. These cities offer a wide range of attractions, including iconic landmarks, festivals, conferences, and corporate events, all of which rely on smooth transportation networks.

Disruptions to flight schedules are likely to result in missed connections, delayed arrivals, and canceled tours or events, leading to a direct impact on tourism businesses. Hotels, tour operators, and local attractions in these cities could experience a drop in bookings, cancellations, and reduced foot traffic, affecting their overall revenue.

Business travelers may also face challenges attending important meetings, conferences, or professional engagements, which could further disrupt economic activities. The delays and cancellations could lead to a ripple effect, reducing productivity and causing setbacks for local industries that depend on seamless travel for both tourism and commerce.

Passenger Advice and Alternative Arrangements

Qantas is actively working to assist affected passengers following the recent flight cancellations by rebooking them on available alternative flights wherever possible. The airline is prioritizing rebooking on the next available services to minimize disruptions to passengers’ travel plans. Passengers impacted by the cancellations are strongly encouraged to visit the official Qantas website, where they can access real-time updates on flight statuses, alternative options, and rebooking procedures. The website also provides a dedicated customer service section, where passengers can request personalized assistance and explore available solutions. For those unable to rebook on alternative Qantas flights, the airline is advising passengers to contact customer service for further guidance on possible compensation or refund options, including details on how to request a refund for canceled services.

However, for those unable to secure alternative flights, exploring other modes of transportation, such as trains or buses, may be viable options, depending on the distance and urgency of travel. The airline also recommends checking any potential travel restrictions or additional requirements that might apply to alternative routes or services.

For the Travelers

The recent flight cancellations by Qantas Airways have disrupted travel plans for many passengers across Australia, affecting tourism and local economies in key cities. Travelers are adviced to keep a close eye on flight updates and take steps to minimize the impact of these disruptions.

Image Credit: Qantas Airways



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