Attention: Ryanair braces for months-long strike – Here’s how it could impact you
Ryanair passengers heading on vacation could face major disruptions starting 15 August, when ground staff in Spain begin a strike that could last through the end of the year. The walkout has been called by employees of Azul Handling, prompted by ongoing labour disputes and precarious working conditions, according to the UGT trade union.
Four days of strikes every week
Azul Handling currently serves 27 airports across Spain—including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, and Málaga—providing ground services for Ryanair and its subsidiaries, such as Buzz and Malta Air. The first strike is set for 15–17 August. After that, walkouts are scheduled to occur every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through 31 December 2025, Euronews reports.
The strikes will affect three key time slots each day: 5–9 AM, 12–3 PM, and 9–11:59 PM. Passengers should expect significant delays and service interruptions, especially during peak vacation season.
Hungarian travellers also affected
The strike’s impact won’t be limited to Spanish travellers. Spain remains a top summer destination for Hungarian tourists, with direct Ryanair flights connecting Budapest to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante. Hungarian travellers should prepare for possible disruptions.
While Ryanair has stated it “expects no disruption” since this is a “third-party” protest by Azul Handling, ground operations like baggage handling, boarding, and technical support could still face major holdups, according to The Sun. The situation could escalate further if other airport employees join the strike.
Why are workers striking?
The UGT union claims that Azul Handling has repeatedly violated labour laws. Allegations include irregular work hours for part-time employees, forced overtime, unjust disciplinary actions, and failure to support work-life balance. The union also criticises the company’s lack of accommodations for returning employees after sick leave and the absence of flexible scheduling.
The UGT is demanding that Azul Handling rescind punitive measures against employees, honour clauses in the collective bargaining agreement, and enter into serious negotiations aimed at improving working conditions for over 3,000 employees.
What happens next?
The initial three-day strike and subsequent recurring walkouts are expected to pose a significant challenge for Spanish airports. The situation is further complicated by Spain’s history of labour actions during the summer: not long ago, hotel workers in the Balearic Islands also threatened a strike, which was ultimately averted following a record pay raise.
If Ryanair and its partner continue to dismiss calls for meaningful negotiations, the ongoing strike could seriously disrupt air travel across Europe—particularly during the busy summer travel season—causing frustration for travellers, including many Hungarian vacationers. Passengers are advised to monitor official airline channels before their trips and be prepared for possible delays or cancellations.
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