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THERE’S bad news on the horizon for holidaymakers heading to Spain and Portugal in August with lots of planned strike action.
Across 12 airports in Spain and as many as five in Portugal there’s planned industrial action that could result in delayed and cancelled flights for Brits heading abroad this summer.
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Throughout August, there’s lots of planned strike action that could result in many flights being delayed or even cancelled.
In Spain, more than 3,000 workers are set to strike with industrial action starting on the weekend of August 15, 2025.
The strike will be across three time periods each day from 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11:59pm.
The action will then continue each week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of December.
Airports that will be affected are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza and Majorca as well as Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela.
With the strikes yet to begin, it’s unclear how much disruption there will be.
However, it’s likely walk-outs by Azul Handling will affect some Ryanair flights as it is its handling subsidiary.
However a spokesperson for Ryanair said: “Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.”
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Flights to and from destinations in Portugal will also be affected.
The strike action began at the end of July and will continue until the end of August.
Staff who are walking out include the staff working in baggage handling, aircraft servicing and at check-in desks.
The industrial action is taking place every week from Friday to Monday until September 1, 2025.
So far, the strike action has resulted in delays and cancellations across Portuguese airports including Lisbon, Faro, and Porto Santo.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has recently updated its travel advice before the strike.
It read: “Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during July and August may cause delays.
“If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator.”
Other airports in Portugal that are affected include Madeira and the Azores.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Read more on the international ‘London’ airport that is 3,285 miles from the UK – and no flights to the English city.
And check out the rival to world’s biggest airport to cost £23.6billion – with 260million passengers and direct UK flights.
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