Barcelona Joins Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Tenerife, Valencia, and More as Spain Braces for New Travel Disruption Strikes Impacting Baggage Handling and Flight Services This December

Published on December 15, 2025

Barcelona, along with major Spanish airports like Ibiza, Madrid, Lanzarote, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Tenerife South, Girona, and Valencia, is set to face severe disruptions due to widespread strikes across Europe in December 2025. These strikes, primarily affecting baggage handlers and ground services, are expected to significantly impact air travel, causing delays, cancellations, and bottlenecks at some of the busiest airports during the critical holiday season. With travel set to peak, the strikes could severely disrupt passenger flows and airport operations, making it crucial for travelers to stay informed and plan ahead.

Airports across Europe are gearing up for a series of strikes in December 2025, involving cabin crews, baggage handlers, and various other airport staff members. These labor actions are poised to create significant disruption during the peak holiday season, leading to potential flight delays, cancellations, and possible transportation issues both to and from airports. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the strikes and prepare accordingly to minimize disruptions to their travel plans.

Key Details on December 2025 Airport Strikes in Europe

One of the largest strikes is set to take place on December 11, 2025, when Portugal will experience a nationwide general strike. This labor action is planned as a protest against new labor reform laws and is expected to affect all modes of transportation across the country, including flights. This will likely cause delays at major airports, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, as well as disruptions to local transportation services, including buses and trains, making it more challenging for travelers to reach or depart from the airports. Those flying in or out of Portugal should check for any updates regarding their flights and alternative transportation options.

On December 12, 2025, workers in Italy are expected to stage a nationwide strike. While airport services may continue operating as usual, the strike is anticipated to severely impact transportation options between airports and the rest of the country. Travelers flying into or out of Italy should plan ahead and explore alternative methods of getting to and from the airport, such as private transport or rental services. The strike could create congestion and long waiting times, making it more challenging to reach accommodations or catch connecting flights.

A particularly disruptive strike in Italy is scheduled for December 17, 2025, when ITA Airways, the national carrier, will experience a 4-hour walkout. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, all ground crew and air crew members at ITA Airways are set to halt operations, potentially grounding flights and causing widespread disruptions at major airports, such as Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. This strike could affect several flights within Italy and abroad, leading to cancellations and significant delays, particularly during the critical hours of the afternoon. It’s crucial for travelers to monitor their flight status in real time and remain flexible with their travel plans.

In Spain, another ongoing issue involves baggage handlers employed by Azul Handling, a subsidiary of Ryanair. These workers have been staging strikes since August 2025, with walkouts occurring on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The strikes take place at three different intervals throughout the day: from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and 9:00 pm to midnight. This labor action is expected to continue through December, with major airports such as Barcelona El Prat, Madrid Barajas, Seville, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, and Valencia being significantly affected. Travelers flying through these airports should be prepared for longer wait times at check-in counters and baggage claim areas, as the strikes will disrupt the handling of luggage and other services.

Meanwhile, in the UK, ground-handling staff employed by DHL at Luton Airport in London are set to join the strike action. This walkout will take place in two separate periods: from 3:00 am on December 19 to 3:00 am on December 22, and from 3:00 am on December 26 to 3:00 am on December 29. This will impact all operations at Luton Airport, potentially causing delays to flights, especially for those traveling during the Christmas and New Year period when the airport sees a high volume of passengers. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight statuses regularly and arrive at the airport early to account for any possible delays.

What Travelers Can Do to Prepare

Travelers planning to fly during this busy period should keep the following tips in mind to minimize the impact of these strikes:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Keep a close watch on your flight’s status, as strikes could lead to last-minute delays or cancellations. Many airlines will provide real-time updates on their websites or via their customer service lines.
2. Consider Alternative Airports or Routes: If your flight is affected by the strikes, you may need to explore alternative airports or routes to reach your destination. Consider flying into a nearby airport or booking connecting flights that bypass the affected areas.
3. Review Travel Insurance Coverage: It’s essential to check your travel insurance policy to see if you are covered for strike-related disruptions, including cancellations, delays, or missed connections. Make sure you understand the claims process in case you need to file for compensation.
4. Arrive Early: With potential delays in check-in and security due to staff shortages, arriving at the airport earlier than usual will give you extra time to deal with any unforeseen issues.
5. Plan for Transportation Disruptions: Many of the strikes will also affect local transportation to and from airports. Whether it’s buses, trains, or taxis, transportation services may be limited or delayed. Always check ahead and have a backup plan, such as booking a private transfer or using alternative modes of transport.

As December 2025 approaches, travelers should be aware of the significant strikes across European airports and their potential impact on holiday travel. From nationwide strikes in Portugal and Italy to ongoing disruptions in Spain and the UK, these labor actions are expected to create widespread delays, cancellations, and transportation issues. By staying informed, checking flight statuses regularly, and preparing for possible delays, travelers can minimize the impact of these disruptions and ensure a smoother holiday travel experience.