Airport ground staff in Spain have begun indefinite strikes starting Monday, March 30, 2026, coinciding with the busy Easter travel period. According to reports, approximately 5,000 workers from the ground handling company Groundforce have walked out at 12 major Spanish airports including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Málaga-Costa del Sol, and airports in the Canary Islands. The industrial action has been called by Spanish unions UGT, CCOO and USO following disputes over salaries, working conditions, and sector-wide labor agreements.
Groundforce staff will strike on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during three time slots: 5-7am, 11am-5pm, and 10pm-midnight. The strikes occur as over one million travelers are expected to visit Spain during the Easter holiday week. While minimum service guarantees mean flights will continue operating, passengers should expect significant delays, longer check-in queues, baggage handling delays, and potential schedule changes.
Travelers are advised to check flight status with airlines, arrive early for check-in, and consider using hand luggage instead of checked bags.