Iberia Express has canceled a total of 14 flights this week due to a cabin crew strike (TCP). The airline, which operates from its Madrid base, began implementing these measures earlier this week as part of the ongoing labor action that has disrupted schedules across several routes.
This week’s schedule changes include significant adjustments to the plans for Wednesday. The carrier intends to operate 96 percent of its planned flights on that day, preemptively canceling two round trips to Mallorca and Gran Canaria to offer customers a buffer by routing them to alternative options in advance. Passengers affected by these disruptions were proactively rebooked onto other flights or alternative transportation arrangements to minimize further inconvenience.
On the 1st of September, preparations for the next day included the preemptive cancellation of three round trips to Gran Canaria, Mallorca, and Santiago. In this case, about 98 percent of those affected by the cancellations were reassigned to different itineraries, with the remaining portion opting for vouchers, refunds, or awaiting a more suitable option. The aim was to keep disruption at a minimum while preserving travel opportunities for as many customers as possible.
Additionally, on Friday two more round trips facing cancellations were announced, covering both directions to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. In these instances, all passengers on the affected flights were already shifted to alternate flights or alternative modes of transport to avoid leaving travelers stranded.
Iberia Express stressed that the focus for the remaining days of the strike is to minimize any impact on travelers. The main objective, as stated, is to reduce the burden on clients during the industrial action, explaining that the leadership will seek to limit inconvenience caused by the walkout.
The strike persists and continues to affect fragile, time-sensitive travel plans for many customers. Earlier in the week, no agreement had been reached between Iberia Express and the USO union regarding the proposed salary updates tied to the 2021 consumer price index, a 6.5 percent adjustment cited in discussions. The union expressed disappointment with what it described as a closed stance and a reluctance to revisit the terms of the proposed settlement, emphasizing the desire to maintain pressure on both sides until a resolution emerges.
Representatives of the airline reiterated their position, calling on USO members to disengage from the ongoing conflict and pursue a timely settlement. The company outlined its intent to keep negotiations constructive and to work toward a path that avoids extended disruptions while safeguarding the interests of passengers and staff alike. In parallel, the airline maintained that continuing operational responsibility and ensuring traveler safety remain paramount considerations during the dispute.
Travelers seeking updates are advised to monitor official communications from Iberia Express, as changes can occur quickly in the course of a strike. Customers may be offered alternatives such as rebooking on subsequent services, vouchers, or refunds, depending on ticket terms and availability. While the immediate effects of the strike are evident in delays and cancellations, the airline continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining service levels where possible and to assisting passengers in navigating the evolving schedule.
The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing labor negotiations with customer service obligations in the aviation sector. As both sides navigate the terms of the dispute, travelers should stay informed about amended itineraries and alternative travel options to minimize disruption to their plans. The ongoing dialogue aims to reach a workable agreement that reduces future interruptions while supporting the needs of employees and the company alike.