Tourists flocking to the dunes and hotel complexes of Maspalomas have barely noticed any disruptions, despite the start of a strike by Ryanair ground handling staff in Spain, which threatens to last until the end of the year.
The strike, called by Azul Handling workers, began on August 15 and will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 31. The protest affects baggage loading, aircraft cleaning, and passenger service at several Spanish airports, including Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, and Lanzarote.
Limited impact of the strike on connectivity and tourism. The Ministry of Transport maintains minimum service levels that ensure between 76% and 87% of flights between the Canary Islands and the Peninsula during August, although this will be reduced to 59% in October. This mitigation measure has effectively protected the flow of tourism, avoiding mass cancellations and counteracting operational risk.
In Maspalomas, both hoteliers and tour operators agree that demand—especially from key markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Nordic countries—remains stable. “Our guests are more concerned about getting a sun lounger by the pool than about flight delays,” comments a manager at Playa del Inglés.
While Spain and the United Kingdom face airport strikes that threaten to disrupt the season, Maspalomas once again demonstrates its structural strengths: stable climate, safety, and the ability to absorb external shocks without losing its appeal.