Spain: Ryanair pilots threaten five days of strikes September 19-29 /update 2

Event

The Spanish pilot union SEPLA announced on Wednesday, August 28, that Ryanair pilots will hold five days of strikes between Thursday, September 19, and Sunday, September 29, to protest the closure of several bases in the country. According to the union, around 900 pilots will be invited to participate in the work stoppages on September 19, 20, 22, 27, and 29. Ryanair cabin crew members are also planning to strike on September 1, 2, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are anticipated if the strikes are held.

Spain's Public Works Ministry has set minimum service levels during the cabin crew strike days in order to reduce the impact on flights. However, the unions have rejected the government's decision and announced protests outside of the Labor and Public Work ministries in Madrid on Monday, September 2, and Friday, September 6. Localized traffic disruptions are expected around the protests.

Context

Ryanair cabin crew members and pilots decided to go on strike to protest the airline's decision to close base in Las Palmas, Tenerife South, Lanzarote, and Girona. According to union representatives, the decision threatens the jobs of 512 pilots and crew members.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for all Ryanair flights in Spain, and to contact the airline for more information.