Spain is facing a wave of planned industrial actions affecting major airlines during the Christmas season. Ryanair, Vueling, and Air Nostrum have scheduled strike days that could disrupt travel plans for passengers seeking to enjoy the holidays in Spain and beyond.
For Ryanair, the unions USO and Sitcpla, which represent the cabin crew, began a prolonged period of industrial action spanning from August 8 to January 7, 2023, including both dates. The strikes consist of 24-hour interruptions from Monday to Thursday, each week. The unions have expressed frustration, noting that Ryanair has shown little willingness to engage in dialogue with officials chosen by the crew. They also warned of potential job losses following the prior wave of strikes. [Source: USO and Sitcpla statements, reported by industry observers]
Separately, Sepla announced a strike action by Air Nostrum flight technicians, including pilots, on specific dates across all bases and business centers: December 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, and 30, and January 2 and 3. The contention centers on a stalled collective agreement negotiations. Air Nostrum has reportedly pushed for a 3% salary review for 2023–2025 and has refused to compensate for the 2022 cost-of-living rise. [Source: Sepla announcements, industry coverage]
Air Nostrum has countered with a compensation proposal, stating it offers a 10% salary increase for commanders and 13% for co-pilots over the next three years under the SIMA framework. The company also indicated that this increase could be higher if negotiated targets are met. [Source: Air Nostrum official statements, industry reporting]
Vueling pauses
The Stavla union has called for cabin crew at Vueling to participate in strikes on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays from November 1 through January 31, including December 24 and 31 to January 5. The demand centers on a 13.4% salary adjustment for 2022. Vueling’s president, Marco Sansavini, has urged dialogue and indicated that the salary increases requested by cabin crew were not feasible within the stated framework. [Source: Stavla union communications, corporate remarks]
Despite these calls for disruption, Vueling asserts it will maintain operations during the Christmas period. It stated that all scheduled flights and those already on sale will operate as planned, while some flights potentially affected by the strike have been preemptively cancelled. [Source: Vueling operational briefings]
Unlawful strike on security filters
In addition to airline staff, security and ground services at Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas airport may be affected. Sagittal’s fast-track security screeners have announced strike actions seeking improvements in pay and working conditions. The ATES union has reported the planned actions. A Madrid court later suspended union activities related to these strikes. [Source: ATES union disclosures, court rulings]
Initial calls targeted companies responsible for regular and VIP filtration services, including Triblisa and Visabren, but Madrid courts issued precautionary suspensions for these actions as well. [Source: Madrid judicial decisions]
How to claim compensation?
Under European Union passenger rights, travelers whose flights are cancelled may be entitled to a refund, an alternative transport option, or a return journey, along with assistance and potential compensation. Eligibility for compensation generally depends on notice of cancellation provided by the airline within fourteen days of the scheduled departure. If notification is not clearly demonstrated, passengers can seek help from their national aviation authority. [Source: EU passenger rights framework]
Claims can be filed at airline counters at airports, with time limits varying by country. Passengers should keep all boarding passes and communications from the carrier to support their case. In some cases, affected travelers may receive guidance or assistance from national administrations to pursue compensation. [Source: EU consumer protection guidelines]