Brits could be facing delays, cancellations and disruption this summer as airports in Spain are gearing up for weeks of strikes – but an expert has weighed in on how to stay protected
Some Brits could be facing holiday disruptions due to strikes (stock)(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Airport strikes in Spain are just one week away – with plenty of disruption expected for Brits hoping to enjoy a holiday.
More than 3,000 baggage handlers at Azul Handling, which services Ryanair flights, are staging strikes at 12 of Spain’s busiest airports from August 15. The affected airports include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Girona, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela.
Walkouts are scheduled on August 15, 16 and 17 during three critical windows: 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The strikes will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the rest of the year.
Baggage handlers are going on strike (stock)(Image: izusek via Getty Images)
The union says the action is in response to poor working conditions and labour rights violations. The disruption comes at the peak of the summer holiday season and could affect thousands of British travellers.
So far, Ryan Air say the protests are nothing to do with them.
While many trips are already booked, Forum Insurance says there’s one way around getting caught in the strikes – getting proper cover.
Niraj Mamtora, Director at the company said: “Standard travel insurance policies often exclude airspace disruptions, so you should never assume that you’re covered for events like strikes, airport closures or air traffic control outages. To protect yourself, look for a policy that offers ‘travel disruption’ or ‘airspace closure’ as an optional extra or higher-tier feature.
“Travel disruption insurance can cover you if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes or airspace closures, and may reimburse you for unused travel and accommodation, enforced stays abroad, or extra expenses if you’re stranded and no suitable alternative transport is available for more than 24 hours.
He continues: “Even when the disruption is caused by ground staff, such as baggage handlers, it can still affect flights and fall under certain travel disruption or airspace closure clauses, depending on the policy wording.
Ryan Air say they are not involved in the strikes (stock)(Image: AzmanJaka via Getty Images)
“Always check your policy wording carefully. Some insurers require that the disruption be unexpected and not known at the time you book or buy your policy. If you travel against official advice, or if the event was foreseeable, you may not be covered.”
Niraj has also shared additional tips for those travelling to Spain later this month:
- Review your policy documents today. Even if you think you’re covered, the terms, exclusions and conditions matter.
- If you’ve only just booked your holiday or insurance, be aware that insurers may not cover disruption from a strike that was already public knowledge at the time. Check whether the strike counts as a ‘known event’ under your policy.
- Contact your airline or tour operator early if you’re due to fly during strike dates. Many providers have plans in place, but you need to act quickly.
- Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses caused by delays. You may need them if you make a claim.
- If you can, consider travelling outside the planned strike windows to reduce the risk of disruption.
- If your flight is delayed and you miss a connecting journey or prepaid transfer, you may only be covered if your policy includes missed connection or onward travel protection. Always check the fine print.
Niraj concluded: “Travel disruption cover usually doesn’t allow you to cancel your holiday just because of expected delays. Claims are typically only accepted for specific costs you’ve incurred due to confirmed disruption.”
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