Iberia Express manages flights during a USO strike with contingency plans and passenger support
To protect customers amid a busy travel period, the airline proactively canceled four flights today as a precautionary measure and to minimize disruption. The strike called by the USO union prompted these steps in advance of service, aiming to keep operations orderly while reducing surprises for travelers.
On Thursday, Iberia Express operated 195 flights without incident related to the union action. The operation carried a total of 13,800 passengers that day, reflecting steady demand even during the dispute. The day concluded with a punctuality rate of 93.7 percent, with six flights delayed by more than 15 minutes due to reasons tied to operations rather than the strike itself.
The airline reported that on Friday, September 2, 93 flights were planned to operate. A total of 95.8 percent of those flights were maintained as scheduled, with two round trips canceled in advance, one serving Gran Canaria and the other Tenerife. All affected passengers were either relocated to alternative Iberia Express services, rebooked on Iberia flights, or assisted with other transport options.
For customers affected by disruptions, Iberia Express has activated a flexible option that remains valid through September 6. Passengers can request a date change for the same route or opt for a voucher equal to the full reservation amount. Travelers can check the status of their flight at any time through a dedicated information page created for this purpose. The information is available on the airline’s information hub for the strike scenario (information hub for flight status and changes).
The airline communicated that discussions should not be conducted under strike pressure and called on the USO union to engage in dialogue. Iberia Express stated that negotiations should occur within a framework that respects cooperation and mutual responsibility, inviting the union to return to constructive talks for the benefit of all crew members involved. The company stressed that all proposals would be reviewed when advanced within a formal negotiating framework that includes relevant parties and safeguards the interests of the cabin crew and customers alike.
A new negotiation meeting between the USO union division and Iberia Express management is scheduled for 12:30 local time in an effort to reach an agreement that supports stable operations and minimizes further inconvenience for travelers. The airline remains committed to clear communication, transparent adjustments, and a focus on safe, reliable service during the ongoing discussion.