Strikes by Spanish airport workers likely to disrupt flights during peak holiday season

Are British holiday makers in for another spring and summer of transport chaos? I'm afraid the answer could be ‘yes'. A series of strikes has been announced by Spanish Airport workers. Ground staff employed by AENA, the Spanish state-owned firm which operates key airports, are set to strike on 22 days during the peak spring and summer holiday seasons. This could affect millions of British holiday makers.

If your holiday was booked, and your travel insurance purchased before the strike dates were announced you will be covered under the travel delay section of your travel insurance spain, in the event that your flight is affected.

The dates set for the strikes are:

20, 21, 24, 25 and 30 April;
2, 14, 15, 19 and 20 May;
13, 23 and 30 June;
1, 2, 3, 4, 15 and 31 July;
1, 15 and 31 August

These dates will affect key holiday periods including Easter, the Royal Wedding weekend, and the peak months of July and August.The European Commission has been urged to step in to prevent air traffic chaos for British travellers this Easter and summer. Although AENA have said that baggage handlers and air traffic controllers will not be affected, Ryanair have demanded that the EU take action to prevent a repeat of the air travel misery across Europe last year.

The Spanish government in Madrid have indicated in the past that it will take a hard line with any group of workers threatening to disrupt tourism. It is believed to be drafting plans to bring the military in to provide emergency cover.

The news of more strikes on the way will no doubt encourage holiday makers to avoid Spain this year, but with tour operators cutting back on holidays to Egypt and Tunisia after last month's civil unrest, this could result in prices to other short haul, summer sun destinations rising.

When there is disruption, a good place to keep up to date with how airports are affected is the Euro Control Twitter page, which posts the latest information on airports across Europe.

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