Plans for a pilots’ strike at easyJet moved into a new phase this week, following disruptions that began last Friday in Spain. The action has already led to a number of cancellations, with Sepla reporting updates through 13:00 on Sunday. The situation has prompted airlines and regulators to coordinate responses to minimize further impact on travelers and airport operations.
Among the airports most affected, Barcelona-El Prat recorded the highest disruption, tallying four canceled flights. Palma de Mallorca also faced a notable hit, with two cancellations affecting travelers. In many instances, the flights that were canceled were either departing from or arriving at Geneva, London, or Paris, illustrating how the strike rippled across several international routes and the broader European network managed by easyJet.
Across the weekend, the cumulative impact of the strike has grown. Since the strike began, a total of 34 flights had been canceled, with 12 cancellations occurring on Friday and a further 16 on Saturday. The pattern underscores the scale of the disruption for passengers trying to reach key hubs and destinations across Europe, and it has prompted last-minute changes and rebookings across the airline’s schedule.
The union and its members have stressed that the strike is being tracked with a 100% effort to uphold minimum service requirements. The decision to focus on minimum services aims to guarantee essential operations continue at a reduced level while negotiations proceed, a balance that is often the heart of industrial actions in the airline sector and a key factor for passenger planning during such periods.
Spain’s Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda has stepped in to set minimum service levels for the duration of the period. The official guidance establishes minimum coverage at 57% for Palma de Mallorca-based flights, 60% for services heading to Málaga, and 61% for flights to Barcelona and Menorca. These thresholds are designed to ensure continued air connectivity while permitting crews to participate in lawful industrial action under regulated conditions.
Officials have outlined that the strike will unfold in three separate 72-hour windows. The initial period began last Friday and runs through this Sunday. The subsequent windows are scheduled for August 19 through 21 and August 27 through 29. These dates reflect the board’s plan to structure the work stoppage in distinct phases. The strike, which is linked to broader disputes over labor conditions and negotiations over a second collective agreement, mirrors a familiar pattern seen in the aviation industry when unions press for improved terms without halting essential travel entirely. While easyJet has faced these labor frictions, the goal remains to preserve crucial routes and service continuity for travelers who rely on timely schedules and predictable planning.
Travelers planning trips during periods of industrial action should stay informed through official airline notices and airport advisories. Those affected may explore rebooking options, alternative travel days, or different airports to minimize disruption. Airlines often provide guidance on what constitutes a reasonable alternative, the process for changing bookings, and any associated fees, with the aim of preserving customer confidence even amid disruptions caused by labor actions. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight status in real time and to sign up for alerts to receive up-to-date information as the situation evolves.