Overview

• UGT-backed Azul Handling workers began three-hour stoppages each morning, midday and evening on August 15 and plan to strike every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 31
• Menzies Aviation staff initiated full-day weekend walkouts on August 16–17, 23–24 and 30–31, affecting airlines from low-cost carriers to full-service operators
• The transport ministry has mandated minimum service levels to curb disruption and carriers such as Ryanair report limited initial delays, but peak weekend travel at Palma, Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga remains at risk
• Employees accuse handlers of unpaid overtime, chronic understaffing, delayed wages and other labor-rights violations as drivers of the ongoing campaign
• Passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently, arrive early, pack essentials in hand luggage and consider travel insurance that covers third-party handler strikes under EU rules