Published on
August 15, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The Ryanair strike at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga and seven more major Spanish airports this August long weekend is set to disrupt one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The Ryanair strike at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga and seven more major Spanish airports this August long weekend will see ground-handling staff walk out, potentially causing widespread delays, cancellations, and travel chaos for thousands of passengers.
This industrial action affects twelve key Ryanair bases across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga and other major Spanish airports. Taking place during the peak summer holiday rush, the strike could create bottlenecks in check-in, baggage handling, and boarding. The timing of the Ryanair strike at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga and seven more major Spanish airports this August long weekend is particularly challenging, as millions of travellers are moving through Spain for holidays, family visits, and connecting flights.
Passengers flying during this period are urged to monitor their flight status closely, arrive at airports earlier than usual, and prepare for possible changes to travel plans. While Spain’s minimum service rules will keep many flights operating, the Ryanair strike at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga and seven more major Spanish airports this August long weekend may still cause significant delays. Knowing your passenger rights, having contingency plans, and staying informed will be key to navigating this disruption. For many travellers, flexibility and preparation could make the difference between a stressful journey and one that remains manageable despite the strike.
Spain is bracing for major disruption at 12 of its busiest airports as Ryanair’s ground-handling staff prepare to walk out in a strike lasting from mid-August until the end of the year. The action, called by UGT and CGT unions, will begin on 15, 16, and 17 August 2025. It will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 31 December 2025. For millions of passengers, this means potential delays, cancellations, and long queues during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The strike targets Azul Handling, the company that provides ground services for Ryanair in Spain. It comes at a time when airports are already stretched by heavy summer demand. Travellers heading to Spain for holidays, business trips, or family visits will need to prepare for possible disruption and take steps to protect their travel plans.
Strike Threat at Spanish airports this August
Travellers flying with Ryanair this August long weekend should prepare for major disruptions. Handling staff at 12 Spanish airports will walk out on August 15, 16, and 17. The strikes, organised by UGT and CGT unions, come at one of the busiest times for holiday travel. Flights could face significant delays or cancellations. Ryanair has already started warning passengers through emails and text messages. But in fast-changing situations like this, communication may not be perfect. Passengers are urged to check the airline’s website or app frequently. Staying informed is the best way to avoid last-minute surprises.
Why the Strike is happening
The unions representing Ryanair’s handling staff say they are protesting over poor working conditions and breaches of agreements. They accuse Azul Handling of penalising workers for refusing non-obligatory overtime and of failing to honour promised bonuses and job guarantees. Union leaders also say staff face unstable contracts and unpredictable scheduling, making it difficult to balance work and personal life. These grievances have been building over time, and union representatives believe a sustained strike is the only way to push management into serious negotiations.
From the company’s perspective, Ryanair has said the strike will have limited impact. It claims that the unions represent less than 20% of its ground-handling workforce and that Spain’s strict minimum service rules will keep most flights operating. However, even with minimum service requirements, there is no guarantee of smooth operations during strike hours.
Which Airports and Flights could be affected
The strike will hit 12 airports across Spain. These include key holiday gateways such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Tenerife. Ryanair is expected to be the most affected airline because the strike targets its handling staff. But other carriers using the same ground services could also be impacted. Long queues at check-in and baggage drop are likely. Delays could cascade through the day, affecting both departures and arrivals. Passengers should plan to arrive earlier than usual at the airport. If possible, travel with carry-on luggage only to save time.
Which Airports will be Affected
The 12 airports targeted by the strike are Ryanair’s main bases in Spain. They include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. These airports are among the busiest in the country, especially in August, when tourism peaks.
Travellers flying to or from these airports should expect the highest risk of disruption. While the strike is aimed at Ryanair’s own operations, other airlines using the same airport facilities could also feel indirect effects, especially in baggage handling, gate operations, and aircraft turnaround times.
When and how the strikes will take place
The strike will be carried out in three daily time slots: 05:00–09:00, 12:00–15:00, and 21:00–23:59. On the opening weekend of 15–17 August, all three slots will be observed. After that, the same pattern will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 31 December 2025.
This timetable means there will be repeated interruptions throughout the day, potentially affecting flights outside the strike hours as delays stack up. Even flights scheduled well before or after a strike period could face problems if the aircraft or crew are delayed earlier in the day.
Passenger Rights under EU Law Explained
Under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, passengers have clear rights when flights are delayed or cancelled. In the case of this strike, the disruption counts as an “extraordinary circumstance.” This means passengers are not entitled to financial compensation. However, the airline must still provide assistance. This includes meals, drinks, and accommodation if necessary. These rights apply no matter what ticket type you have. They are separate from any travel insurance you might hold. If your flight is affected, you should request support from Ryanair directly and keep all receipts for expenses you incur.
Why the August Long Weekend is most at risk
The strike starts on the Assumption Day long weekend, one of Spain’s peak travel times. Around 28,000 flights are scheduled nationwide over this period, as Spaniards return from holidays and international visitors arrive in large numbers. Airports will already be under heavy pressure from crowds, and any reduction in ground-handling capacity could quickly cause bottlenecks.
If you are travelling over this weekend, especially on the first strike days, expect the longest queues and the highest risk of delays. Arriving early, having documents ready, and travelling with carry-on luggage where possible can help reduce stress.
No Compensation, But Assistance is Guaranteed
While you cannot claim cash compensation for delays caused by this strike, Ryanair must care for passengers during the disruption. If your wait is over two hours, you should receive food and drinks. Overnight delays mean the airline must arrange hotel accommodation. It’s important to make these requests directly at the airport or through Ryanair’s support channels. Many passengers miss out on assistance simply because they don’t know their rights. By understanding the rules, you can ensure you get the help you need while waiting for your flight to operate.
Why Travel Insurance Still Matters
Travel insurance will not change your eligibility for EU-mandated compensation. However, it can still be valuable during strike disruptions. Some policies cover extra costs like missed connections, alternative transport, or extended stays. If you have insurance, review your policy to see what is included. Keep detailed records of your expenses and any changes to your travel plans. Contact your insurer as soon as a disruption occurs to confirm what support they can offer. This combination of legal rights and insurance benefits can make a stressful situation more manageable.
Advice From Passenger Rights Experts
Experts at AirCashBack recommend travellers keep a close eye on flight status, especially between August 15 and 17 and again between August 18 and 31. They advise contacting the airline before leaving for the airport to confirm your flight is still operating. If possible, have a backup plan, such as an alternative flight or another mode of transport. This is especially important if you have onward connections or important events at your destination. Being proactive can reduce the impact of last-minute changes.
Preparing for Potential Travel Chaos
With the strike coinciding with peak summer travel, airports could see longer queues and higher stress levels. Arrive earlier than usual, ideally three hours before a short-haul flight and four for long-haul. Have all your travel documents ready and use online check-in where possible. If travelling with family, pack snacks, entertainment, and essentials in your carry-on. These small steps can help you stay comfortable during long waits. Flexibility is key – be ready to adjust your plans if your flight is rescheduled or cancelled.
What Ryanair passengers can expect
Ryanair passengers at affected airports could face slower check-in and baggage drop, longer waits for boarding, and delayed departures. Even if a flight operates as scheduled, baggage delivery on arrival could be slower than usual. The airline is sending warnings by email and SMS, but strike schedules can change quickly, so checking flight status regularly is essential.
The airline says it will comply with EU passenger rights rules by providing care—such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation—when required. However, it will not pay financial compensation for delays or cancellations caused by the strike, as such events are considered extraordinary circumstances under EU Regulation 261/2004.
What about other airlines
Although the strike directly affects Ryanair’s operations, other carriers at the same airports could be impacted if they rely on shared facilities. For example, baggage belts, security lanes, and boarding gates are often used by multiple airlines. If these services are disrupted by the strike, delays can spread to unrelated flights.
In addition, there is a separate strike by Menzies Aviation staff at some Spanish airports, which could affect different airlines. If both strikes overlap at the same location, the impact could be more significant.
What rights do passengers have
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by more than two hours are entitled to assistance from the airline. This includes meals and drinks during the wait, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.
Financial compensation is not payable when delays or cancellations are caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as strikes by airport or ground staff. However, passengers are still entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund if they choose not to travel.
These rights apply regardless of ticket type or travel insurance. Travel insurance may provide additional benefits, such as covering missed connections or alternative transport, but it does not affect your core legal rights under EU law.
How to minimise disruption to your trip
If you are travelling during the strike period, check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Arrive earlier than normal—three hours for short-haul flights and four for long-haul—to allow for longer queues. Use online check-in and travel with hand luggage if possible to avoid baggage delays.
Stay flexible with your plans, especially if you have onward connections. Consider booking fully refundable hotels or transport at your destination. If you are travelling for an important event, you might even want to book an earlier flight to reduce the risk of missing it due to delays.
Preparing for the months ahead
Because the strike is scheduled to continue until the end of December, passengers travelling to or from Spain should remain alert for changes. Even outside the summer peak, airports will still feel the effects, particularly during busy autumn weekends and the Christmas holiday period.
Negotiations between the unions and Azul Handling could end the strike early, but travellers should plan for the possibility that it will continue. Keeping up-to-date with news and checking airline updates regularly will be important for anyone flying in or out of Spain in the coming months.
The wider impact on Spain’s tourism industry
Spain is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and Ryanair is its largest airline by passenger numbers. Any prolonged disruption to Ryanair’s operations could have a ripple effect on the tourism sector, from hotels and car hire to restaurants and attractions. The August long weekend is especially important for the industry, as it brings in high volumes of domestic and international visitors.
While minimum service requirements will keep many flights running, the risk of delays and cancellations may deter some travellers or push them to choose alternative carriers or destinations. Tourism officials will be watching closely to see how the strike affects visitor numbers and spending.
Staying informed is the best strategy
The Ryanair strike at 12 major Spanish airports is a serious challenge for passengers and the aviation sector during one of the busiest travel seasons. While minimum service rules will limit the number of cancellations, travellers should still expect delays and longer waits.
By knowing the strike schedule, understanding your rights, and taking practical steps to prepare, you can reduce the impact on your journey. In uncertain times like these, staying informed and flexible is your best defence against travel disruption.
Staying Informed is Your Best Defense
The Ryanair strike at 12 major Spanish airports is set to cause significant disruption this August long weekend. While passengers cannot claim compensation under EU law, they are entitled to care from the airline. The best way to navigate the situation is to stay informed, arrive early, and have a backup plan. By knowing your rights and preparing ahead, you can reduce stress and make the best of an unpredictable travel period. In holiday season travel, information and preparation are as valuable as your ticket itself.
Source: AirCashBack
