Spain: Taxi strike continues in Barcelona Jan. 19, to begin in Madrid Jan. 21 /update 1

Event

Taxi drivers continued an indefinite strike in Barcelona (Catalonia) as of Saturday, January 19, with similar action planned in Madrid beginning Monday, January 21. Taxi drivers in Barcelona blocked major roads, including the Gran Via in the city's center, and were noticeably absent from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN). Clashes between cab drivers and ride-hailing drivers and vandalism were also reported. Similar protests, strikes, and road blocks are expected in Barcelona in the coming days along with associated transportation disruptions and traffic congestion. Madrid is also expected to experience a similar strike beginning on Monday; taxi strikes in other Spanish cities are possible in the near-term.

Advice

Individuals in Barcelona and Madrid are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements.