Major Spanish airport to face MORE strikes in a matter of days as thousands of Brits to be affected

BRITS heading to Spain are being warned to expect more strikes both this week and next week. Baggage handlers have already staged a walkout at Palma Airport and will do so again this Saturday and again from next Tuesday. The biggest airport in Majorca is set to see disruption next week Credit: Getty Workers at Palma Airport will strike on Saturday and then ‘indefinitely’ from August 4 Credit: Getty Workers for the company Swissport, which provides baggage-handling services, are set to walk out on August 1 between 7am-12pm then again between 7pm and 10pm. After that, an ‘indefinite strike by ground-handling workers’ is set to start on Tuesday unless an agreement is reached, according to local media. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Some airlines that use the company for baggage-handling include Condor, Air Canada and TUI. The airport has warned that others could be affected too, as a statement said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines“. Popular airlines taking Brits to the island include Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2. The airport said: “Large-scale airport strikes can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect. If Swissport-served flights experience delays at the gates, it can sometimes lead to localised congestion on the tarmac or minor delays at security control.” To minimise disruption, Palma Airport has advised customers to do the following: Check in online: Complete your check-in online before heading to the airport to minimise time spent in queues. Travel light if possible: Travelling with hand luggage only allows you to bypass potential check-in and baggage carousel delays. Monitor your airline’s app: Keep a close eye on text alerts or app notifications from your airline for real-time schedule updates. Arrive on time (but not too early): Stick to the standard arrival window recommended by your carrier (usually two to three hours before departure). Arriving half a day early can worsen airport congestion. Most read in Travel The airport did see some disruption during the previous strike on July 28 when Swissport workers action coincided with a 24-hour walkout by the Regional Metal Sector. The Regional Metal Sector covers technical personnel across the entire airport – their final strike is scheduled for today. The airport has warned that passengers could face disruption Credit: Boarding1Now On July 28, one man wrote on X: “Stuck on a staircase in palma airport due to swissport ground staff and baggage handlers on strike until midday.” On the same day, another called on the strike to end with “people waiting on bags to start their holiday”. A third wrote: “Been to Palma airport recently. It’s not just UK airports, that place is an absolute shambles.” On the strike, a TUI spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action affecting airline operators at Palma airport. “At this stage, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers. However, we are working closely with our local teams and airport partners to minimise any potential impact. “As always, we will proactively update our guests if there are any changes to their itinerary. Customers should continue to check their flight details as usual before travelling.” Meanwhile, Ryanair told Sun Travel that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”. easyJet also said its flights will be operating as normal. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Comment now