Iberia Express announced plans to operate a reduced schedule on the strike day called by a major union, aiming to minimize disruption for travelers and to keep essential routes running. On the fifth day of the industrial action, the carrier said it would launch 95 flights, a bold move that reflects its priority of maintaining reliability for customers while the labor action unfolds. To soften the impact, the airline had already preemptively canceled three round trips, including services to Gran Canaria, Mallorca, and Santiago, with the goal of reducing knock-on effects for the rest of the journey network. This preemptive approach is part of a broader strategy to protect customer interests during a period of heightened disruption.
Iberia Express reported that a large majority of passengers affected by these cancellations have been relocated to alternative arrangements. Specifically, 98% of those impacted were assisted with options for rebooking on Iberia flights or with other carriers, or with refunds or vouchers for future travel. The remaining 2% were still evaluating the best available alternative as the airline coordinated with customers to find suitable solutions. This proactive customer care effort reflects the carrier’s obligation to minimize stress and uncertainty during a volatile travel period.
In explaining the decision, the airline stated that prioritizing customers means taking preemptive steps to keep operations orderly and predictable. By canceling certain flights in advance, Iberia Express aimed to provide passengers with robust alternatives as early as possible, reducing last-minute changes and the potential for missed connections. The airline noted that this approach helps preserve the integrity of schedules and delivers a clearer picture of what travelers can expect on the affected days.
To assist travelers whose plans extend beyond the strike window, Iberia Express announced a flexibility plan covering all customers with flights through September 6. A dedicated information hub was established where passengers can check flight status and complete necessary transactions. The company emphasized that it would continue monitoring the situation closely and updating travelers as circumstances evolve, with guidance available on the official Iberia Express information channel dedicated to the strike.
The airline expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience caused and apologized to customers for disruptions linked to the industrial action. It stressed that the timing of the strike poses a challenge to the normal operation of services and that the company remains committed to constructive engagement with the union to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The aim is to resolve differences through dialogue rather than through labor action, preserving service continuity and the long-term viability of the route network.
As part of its communications strategy, Iberia Express requested that the union refrain from escalating the disruption, emphasizing that a credible negotiation environment is essential for reaching a fair Collective Agreement. The airline affirmed its willingness to meet with union representatives to discuss terms that balance employees’ interests with the company’s capacity to provide reliable service to travelers. It was noted that meaningful negotiations cannot occur effectively under sustained strikes, and the company remained hopeful that dialogue would replace confrontation as the means to resolve issues.
On the previous day, August 31, Iberia Express operated 99 flights without incident related to any strike action, carrying approximately 14,500 passengers. The overall performance for the day included a punctuality rate of 87.9 percent, with a small number of flights delayed by more than 15 minutes due to operational reasons unrelated to the strike. This performance snapshot demonstrates that, despite tensions with the workforce, the airline managed a substantial portion of its schedule with minimal disruption to customers and continued to operate a broad portion of its network.