Air Nostrum Strikes Affect Flights Across Europe Over a Five Day Period
The fifth day of the pilots’ strike at Air Nostrum passed with little disruption to airport operations in most hubs, even as a total of 34 flights were cancelled during the week. Passengers had been informed of the situation more than a week in advance, and most were relocated to alternative options when possible. The situation highlighted the broader impact of industrial action on regional travel networks and how airlines manage capacity during a disruption of this kind.
Flight activity was concentrated on routes from key Spanish and European cities, including Alicante, Almería, Bologna, Bordeaux, Frankfurt, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Mallorca, Menorca, Nice, Pamplona, Seville, Toulouse, and Valencia. A complete list of affected departures was published by the airline on its official channels. Interviews with industry observers indicated that the strike actions centered on a small but persistent portion of the company’s pilot roster, with the organizers reporting that a substantial majority of the called-up pilots were expected to participate, potentially extending the effect across multiple days.
Affected travelers were offered several options to minimize disruption, such as refunds for tickets or relocation to alternative flights or dates, subject to availability and the aim of restoring a semblance of normalcy at affected airports. This approach is typical of how carriers balance customer service with operational realities when work slowdowns occur, and the guidance was communicated through official customer service channels.
From the organizers’ perspective, Sepla described the strike as a form of collective bargaining pressure, characterizing it as a blockade in negotiations over working conditions and wages. The airline’s management, however, pushed back against the action, calling it unfair and disproportionately disruptive to customers and the broader aviation network. Statements from both sides underscored the tension between labor negotiations and the travel needs of thousands of passengers who depend on reliable schedules.
The airline highlighted that, while the strike continued into the following days, the operational impact was monitored closely, with a projected series of cancellations and route adjustments published to help travelers plan accordingly. The period was marked by a balancing act: limiting further delays while ensuring that safety and regulatory standards remained the priority for crews and ground staff alike. Attribution: Sepla union; Air Nostrum management commentary
In practical terms, travelers who booked through Iberia’s ticketing platform received incident notices from Iberia, the parent carrier with which Air Nostrum operates the affected services. Those who purchased via travel agents were advised to contact their agent for assistance. The coordination underscores the layered nature of airline networks where partner carriers and distribution channels all play a role in delivering customer support during a strike. Attribution: Iberia; travel agencies