Travellers heading to and from Spain — including the Canary Islands — may still face disruption this April, despite a last-minute agreement that has seen planned airport strikes called off.
While the immediate threat of widespread walkouts by ground handling staff has been lifted, pressure on the aviation system remains high, and further disruption is still possible in the coming weeks.
Ground staff strikes called off
Planned strike action by ground handling staff at several Canary Islands airports has been suspended following a last-minute deal between Menzies Aviation and trade unions.
The agreement, reached through mediation, includes commitments to improve pay and working conditions for staff — one of the key issues behind the dispute. (Canarian Weekly)
The strikes had been scheduled to coincide with the busy Easter travel period and were expected to affect check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft turnaround operations across multiple airports.
Their cancellation removes the risk of immediate large-scale disruption — but does not mean travel will be entirely smooth.
Disruption already reported
In the weeks leading up to the agreement, strike action and staffing tensions had already begun to impact airport operations.
Delays were reported at several airports, including in the Canary Islands, where ground handling issues led to slower turnaround times and baggage delays. (Canarian Weekly)
Even with minimum service levels in place, disruption during peak travel periods can quickly build, with delays earlier in the day affecting later flights.
New strike threat from 17 April
Attention is now turning to a separate and potentially more disruptive issue.
Air traffic controllers at towers operated by SAERCO are expected to begin indefinite strike action from 17 April, affecting multiple airports across Spain — including several in the Canary Islands. (Euroweekly News)
Air traffic control strikes typically have a wider impact than ground staff walkouts, as they can affect all flights using an airport, regardless of airline.
Airports likely to be affected include those in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera, with knock-on delays possible across the wider network.
What this means for travellers
Although the immediate Easter strike threat has eased, travel disruption remains a real possibility in April.
Passengers may still experience:
- Delays due to earlier operational disruption
- Longer processing times at busy airports
- Schedule changes or knock-on delays
- Potential disruption from upcoming strike action
The situation is likely to remain fluid, particularly as new industrial action approaches.
Advice for expats
For expats living in Spain or the Canary Islands, the advice is to stay cautious rather than alarmed.
Travellers are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
- Allow extra time for connections
- Monitor airline and airport updates
Those travelling after mid-April should pay particular attention to developments around the planned air traffic control strike.
A fragile situation
The cancellation of ground handling strikes is a positive development, but it does not remove all risk from Spain’s aviation system this spring.
With high passenger demand, ongoing labour tensions, and new disruption on the horizon, travel conditions are likely to remain unpredictable in the short term.
For now, passengers can expect most flights to operate — but with less certainty than usual.
