Ryanair Baggage Handlers Strike Hits 12 Spanish Airports

Over 3,000 Azul Handling baggage handlers, who service Ryanair and other airlines, are set to strike at 12 major Spanish airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, and Palma. The strikes, organized by the General Union of Workers (UGT), will begin August 15–17 and recur every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 2025, targeting peak travel periods. Industrial action will occur during three daily time slots: 5am–9am, 12pm–3pm, and 9pm–midnight. The dispute centers on unstable contracts, overtime abuses, poor working conditions, and unfair sanctions, with the union blaming Azul Handling's management for ongoing labor rights breaches. While Ryanair claims no disruption is expected, past strikes have caused delays, long queues, and baggage issues. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for potential delays or cancellations, especially during strike hours.