Striking Ryanair staff in Spain halt operations
Headline: Ongoing Azul Handling Strike Affects Ryanair Flights Across Spain
Subheadline: Delays and baggage problems reported, but no widespread cancellations as of August 2025
The ground staff strike at Azul Handling, a company affiliated with Ryanair, is currently affecting flights at major airports across Spain. The strike, which began on August 15, is primarily impacting Ryanair operations in Madrid and Barcelona, among others.
Current Status
The strike is ongoing, with repeated partial work stoppages multiple days a week. However, due to a legal minimum service requirement in Spain, the impact of the strike has been limited so far. Airport operator Aena reports minor delays but no flight cancellations related to the strike to date.
Union complaints include allegations that the management of Azul Handling is violating strike laws, as well as demands for better pay, job stability, and working conditions.
Impact on Flights
Passengers flying Ryanair to and from Spain may experience delays and baggage handling problems due to the strike activity. So far, disruptions are limited, with no widespread cancellations; however, delays at check-in, baggage drop-off, and security checks may be longer than usual.
Travelers are advised to check in advance for cancellations or delays and to anticipate longer processing times at airports.
Potential Continuation
Unless an agreement is reached, the strike is scheduled to continue through the end of 2025 with partial work stoppages on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Work stoppages target specific time windows during the day to maximize operational impact without total disruption.
The strike results from unresolved negotiations over labor rights violations, pay, and working conditions.
In summary, the Azul Handling ground staff strike is active with ongoing partial work stoppages affecting Ryanair operations across Spain, causing primarily delays and baggage problems but few cancellations thus far. The strike may continue intermittently until the end of December 2025 unless a settlement is reached.
[1] BBC News, "Azul Handling strike disrupts flights in Spain," August 15, 2025. [2] Reuters, "Azul Handling strike continues to disrupt flights in Spain," August 17, 2025. [3] Sky News, "Azul Handling strike: What you need to know," August 20, 2025. [4] The Guardian, "Azul Handling strike: Union accuses management of violating strike laws," August 16, 2025. [5] El País, "Azul Handling strike: Work stoppages to continue until end of year," August 25, 2025.
