Series of Strikes at Madrid-Barajas Airport: Passengers Face Major Disruptions

A total of 22 days of strikes have been announced at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of Europe's key aviation hubs. The dispute centers around Azul Handling, a Ryanair subsidiary responsible for ground services at the airport. Trade unions representing its employees are demanding immediate improvements to working conditions. Unless an agreement is reached, the planned walkouts will impact thousands of passengers, not only during the busy summer season but also into autumn and the Christmas period.

The first strikes are scheduled for mid-August – specifically on the 15th, 16th, and 17th – when passenger traffic typically peaks. Further protests are planned for the weekends of August 23–24 and August 30–31, followed by additional dates in the fall: September 6–7, September 13–14, and October 11–12. Union representatives have also confirmed their intention to strike during the holiday season in December.

The announcement reflects growing dissatisfaction among ground handling staff. Union officials have raised serious allegations against Azul Handling, accusing the company of persistently violating labor laws. Employees are reportedly being forced to work overtime without the right to refuse, penalized for resisting extra shifts, and subjected to schedules designed to reduce work hours for those who object to management’s policies. Contracts allegedly fail to reflect the actual time worked, and disciplinary measures are said to be used as a form of retaliation.

Should the strikes proceed as planned, passengers can expect notable disruptions. Typical consequences during such industrial action include flight delays, extended baggage handling times, and longer waiting periods at airport terminals. Airlines relying on Azul Handling may face difficulties maintaining flight schedules, directly impacting travelers’ experiences.

There is still a possibility that the strike action could end ahead of schedule, but that depends on whether the company and union representatives can reach a satisfactory agreement. Until then, the risk of disruption remains high. Passengers with upcoming travel plans should stay informed through official airline and airport channels and prepare for potential schedule changes.