The seventh and penultimate day of the Air Nostrum strike disrupted a portion of the airline’s operations this Monday, with 33 flights canceled. This action was carried out by the pilots and affected numerous departures across several European hubs. The cancellations primarily impacted flights from Alicante, Bologna, Bordeaux, Frankfurt, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Mallorca, Menorca, Nice, Pamplona, Toulouse, and Valencia. A complete list of affected services is available on the carrier’s official site for travelers seeking specifics.
Officials from Air Nostrum and the Sepla pilots’ union, which organized the stoppage, indicated to EFE that the strike was unfolding without notable incidents and followed the planned schedule. There was a shared expectation of strong support from Sepla, with expectations of near-universal participation. Both sides indicated a readiness to meet and discussed efforts to advance the current negotiations smoothly, aiming to prevent further mobilizations by reaching an agreement on a collective bargaining framework. The discussions were described as a critical step toward resolving wage and working-condition issues in the context of ongoing travel disruptions.
The strike has been described by Air Nostrum’s management as occurring during the peak holiday period and was labeled by the union as a necessary action to push for fair terms for employees. Sepla representatives argued that the action is proportionate given the standing concerns about pay scales and work conditions, and they emphasized the importance of negotiating a fair collective agreement that could avert future stoppages.
End of pauses
The stoppage is set to continue on Tuesday, January 3, with an expected total of 35 flights canceled on that day. The eight-day strike period, spanning from December 22 to January 3, is scheduled to conclude after Tuesday. Travelers should anticipate ongoing changes and adjust plans accordingly, especially for journeys involving connections between multiple European cities. Airlines and travel partners are working to minimize disruption where possible and to accommodate customers seeking alternatives during this period.
For those with tickets, options include refunds or rebooking on another flight or date, pending seat availability. Air Nostrum has indicated that prices have become more flexible to facilitate changes on non-cancelled services. Travelers who purchased tickets via Iberia.com will receive notices about the incident from Iberia, the carrier that operates the affected flights with Air Nostrum. If bookings were made through a travel agent, travelers should contact their agent for guidance and assistance with changes or refunds.
In the wake of the disruptions, travelers in North America and other regions should monitor airline notifications and consider alternative arrangements in case of delays or cancellations. While the immediate impact is regional, the ripple effects can affect international schedules, especially for those with tight itineraries or connections into Madrid and other European hubs. Updating booking details promptly and staying in touch with carriers remains the best approach for those planning travel during this period, ensuring smoother transitions when possible.