Major strikes are taking place at key airports in Spain in August 2025, which could cause flight delays and cancellations. Find out which airports are affected, what rights passengers have, and how to prepare for your trip. Useful travel tips and travel insurance recommendations

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Spain is facing a major wave of strikes at a number of key airports in August 2025. Security and maintenance workers are protesting over working conditions, pay and staffing shortages. For tourists, this means possible flight delays, queues at security checkpoints and changes to schedules.

In this article, we explain which airports are on strike, what exactly is happening, what rights passengers have and how to prepare for their trip.

Entry rules to Spain and the procedure for obtaining a tourist visa here.

Spain has tightened controls on the tourist accommodation market in order to regulate the mass short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb. Read about changes to property rentals in Spain in 2025 here.

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Which airports in Spain are on strike in August 2025?

The strikes will affect Spain's most popular tourist destinations, including:

- Barcelona (El Prat),

- Madrid (Barajas),

- Seville,

- Alicante,

- Ibiza,

- Malaga,

- Palma de Mallorca,

- Tenerife South,

- Girona,

- Lanzarote

- Santiago de Compostela.

If you are flying to or from any of these airports, be prepared for possible delays and disruptions.

When will the strikes take place at Spanish airports?

The first strikes are scheduled for August 15, 16 and 17 in three daily time slots: from 5:00 to 9:00, from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 21:00 to midnight.

If the union's demands are not met, the strikes will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of 2025.

Reasons for the protests at Spanish airports

The main reasons for the strikes were:

- Low wages compared to other European airports.

- Poor working conditions, including insufficient staff to handle the large flow of tourists.

- Lack of collective agreements regulating stable employment conditions.

- Overwork at the height of the tourist season without adequate compensation.

What impact do strikes have on tourists?

During strike periods, the following may occur:

- Flight delays, especially due to longer security lines.

- Flight cancellations if service or logistics are not possible.

- Changes in baggage handling times or check-in counters.

Tip: arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, especially on days when there is a strike.

We have previously discussed how to rent accommodation in Spain.

What rights do tourists have if their flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes?

If your flight is cancelled or seriously delayed due to a strike, here is what you need to know:

1. Contact the airline. In case of any changes, contact the airline immediately. They are obliged to provide information about alternatives - rebooking or refund.

2. No compensation for short delays. If your flight is delayed for less than 2 hours, financial compensation is usually not provided.

Delay of more than 3 hours - compensation is possible. If you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late due to a delay or missed connection (and this is not force majeure), you are entitled to compensation under EU law.

3. Airline obligations regarding meals. If the delay lasts several hours, the carrier must provide passengers with drinks and snacks:

- flights up to 1500 km – after 2 hours of waiting

- flights 1500–3500 km – after 3 hours

- over 3500 km – after 4 hours

Important! If providing meals threatens an even greater delay, the carrier has the right not to provide it.

4. Overnight delay – hotel at the airline’s expense. If your flight is rescheduled to the next day, you should be offered accommodation and a transfer. If this is not the case, keep your receipts – you are entitled to compensation.

5. Refund in case of cancellation. If your flight is cancelled and you are not planning to travel, the airline must refund the full cost of your ticket within 7 days.

6. Alternative – voucher. Sometimes you may be offered a voucher instead of money. If its value is increased (for example, +25%) and you are sure that you will use it in the future, this may be a good option.

What should travelers do during strikes?

If you are planning a trip to Spain in August or the following months, it is important to stay informed and be prepared for changes in plans. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk and avoid unpleasant surprises during air strikes in Spain:

1. Keep an eye on airline notifications

Regularly check your email, SMS and the airline’s official social media accounts. In the event of cancellations or delays, airlines will usually offer alternative options or provide instructions for passengers.

2. Know your rights as a passenger

If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours due to the airline’s fault (including strikes by their contractors), you may be entitled to compensation or free rebooking under EU rules. Keep your tickets, correspondence and receipts – these documents may be useful when making a claim.

3. Plan alternative routes

If you have the option to change your travel date or direction, consider options via other airports that are not affected by strikes. Also consider taking trains or buses within Spain – these are often a convenient alternative for domestic travel.

August 2025 in Spain is hot not only because of the temperature, but also because of the tense situation at the airports. If you are planning a trip to this country, especially to popular resorts, be prepared for changes. Early planning, awareness and proper insurance will help avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.

In the face of possible delays, flight cancellations and general instability of air transportation, it is especially important to have full travel insurance. It will help you cover the costs of medical care, lost luggage, flight delays, as well as other unforeseen situations.

A travel insurance policy guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses during your trip.

Buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! Mallorca remains one of the best holiday destinations in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year for its beaches, nightlife and Mediterranean charm. But while enjoying the island, tourists should be aware of the local laws, as new fines and penalties introduced in 2025 are quite high. We have already told you what can lead to significant fines or even imprisonment on the island.

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