Air Traffic Controllers in Spain Begin Indefinite Strike — Here's How Travellers Can Avoid the Chaos

Indefinite Strike Action Begins

Air traffic controllers in Spain have officially launched indefinite strike action, raising concerns about widespread disruption to travel across the country.

The strike, organised by the Air Traffic Controllers Union (USCA) and CCOO, focuses on control towers managed by Saerco. It commenced at midnight on April 17 and will persist indefinitely unless an agreement is negotiated.

Which Airports Are Affected?

Fourteen Spanish airports are impacted:

• Madrid-Cuatro Vientos
• Canary Islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera
• Mainland: Castellón, Burgos, Huesca, Ciudad Real, Vigo, A Coruña, Jerez, Seville

Flights will continue under minimum service rules, though delays and disruptions remain likely. Passengers may face extended waiting times, flight rescheduling, and airport congestion.

Why Are They Striking?

Union representatives emphasise that "aviation safety cannot be sustained on a workforce subjected to fatigue, stress and permanent uncertainty."

Key concerns include:

• Staffing shortages — departing workers not being replaced
• Cancelled holidays and last-minute shift changes
• Failures to respect mandatory rest periods
• Deteriorating working conditions and aviation safety risks

Mediation requests have been submitted to the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA), with no resolution achieved yet.

How Travellers Can Avoid the Chaos

• Monitor flight status through airline apps or the official Aena website on your travel day
• Consider high-speed AVE rail services as an unaffected alternative within mainland Spain
• If you have connecting flights, allow four to six hours as a buffer for potential delays
• Contact your airline in advance to check if your flight is affected

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 19, 2026. Strike action may evolve — always check with your airline and Aena for the latest information.