EasyJet Spain flights face disruption due to strikes

More than 600 cabin crew are staging a walk out (Picture: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

EasyJet cabin crew have started a three-day strike, which could see delays and cancellations for Brits heading to or from Spain.

The industrial action began Wednesday, June 25, with employees calling for improved wages and working conditions.

It’s expected that 657 cabin crew workers will take part across Spanish tourist hotspots, including Alicante, Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca.

And travellers have already taken to social media share their frustrations. X users Elizabeth Zambrano, wrote: ‘Our flight doesn’t have cabin crew. We are in Palma without any official news.’ While Martin Morris complained of ‘shocking customer service’ after he received a notification at 2.30am saying his 9.30am flight had been cancelled.

While Easyjet have released no official statement about the strikes, in response to queries online, they advised customers to check their online Flight Tracker, and to continue to arrive at airports as normal.

But according to aviation expert, Anthony Radchenko, cabin crew strikes can cause widespread disruption.

Industrial action begins on June 25 (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Even if pilots are ready and aircraft are available, a shortage of cabin crew means flights must be cancelled or significantly delayed,’ the AirAdvisor analyst tells Metro.

‘Cabin crew are essential not just for service, but for passenger safety, boarding, and emergency procedures. Their presence is mandated by aviation law.’

Anton adds that during a cabin crew strike in July 2022, EasyJet cancelled 30 to 50% of daily flights from affected bases.

According to Anton, EasyJet’s Spanish bases are expected to handle approximately 60 to 80 flights per day during late June, based on flight timetables and seasonal capacity.

He adds: ‘A 30 to 50% cancellation rate would mean 18 to 40 flights cancelled per day.’

‘This strike is a significant disruption with very real consequences for British travellers. These Spanish bases are not just busy airports; they’re critical gateways for UK holidaymakers heading to the Mediterranean.

‘What makes this situation particularly frustrating is that many passengers may not realise the strike affects ground operations in Spain, not the UK, so their outbound flight may appear fine while the inbound crew is unavailable, creating last-minute chaos. These kinds of strikes create ripple effects, where delays and aircraft repositioning lead to broader network instability.’

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK and EU airlines must look after you if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

This includes everything from meals and accommodation to an alternative flight if necessary.

Citizen’s Advice says that airlines should also give impacted passengers access to phone calls and emails and, if they offer you a play to stay, organise the journeys between the hotel and the airport.

Sometimes, the airline will cover this by handing you vouchers at the airport. When in doubt, keep any receipts for expenses and claim them back afterwards from the airliner.

Palma Airport will be affected by strike action (Picture: John Keeble/Getty Images)

But an airliner will only cough up money for ‘reasonable’ expenses. The hotel minibar or penthouse suites likely can’t be expensed.

If you didn’t book with a UK or EU airline, you’ll need to check their terms and conditions. Though, for the most part, airlines should provide meals and accommodation as appropriate.

When am I eligible for this support?

Whether you’re eligible for the above depends on the distance of your flight and how long you have waited:

• For short-haul (up to 1,500km over two hours or less) you must have been waiting for two hours or more.
• For medium-haul (between 1,500km and 3,500km over two to four hours) it’s three hours or more.
• For long-haul (more than 3,500km over four hours or more) it’s four hours or more.

If my flight is cancelled, can I get a refund?

If your flight is covered by UK law, you can choose between either getting your cancelled flight refunded or being booked on an alternative route.

Any part of your ticket you haven’t used is eligible for a refund. So, if you were on a return flight to Heathrow and the outbound leg was cancelled, you can get that part of the journey refunded.

You’ll typically get your money back within a week.

But not everyone is up for being stuck mid-layover. If you still want to travel, your airline must find a way to get you to your destination.

This can include, say, if another airliner is flying to where you need to go soon or if there’s another form of transport you can take. All at no extra cost.

If my flight is delayed or cancelled, can I get extra compensation?

EU regulations state that airlines don’t have to pay out to passengers if the disruption was caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances’.

This includes: ‘political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes’.

Trips to Barcelona are likely to see disruption (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

However, official strikes by the airline’s own staff are classed as within the carrier’s control, and therefore travellers are usually entitled to compensation.

The amount of money you receive will depend on how far you were due to travel, how much notice of the disruption you received, and the length of the delay.

This can range from £220 for short-haul flights, £350 for mid-haul and £520 for long-haul. For a detailed breakdown, visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for more information.

I booked a package holiday, what are my rights?

Check if the company you booked with is a member of ABTA, a trade association for tour operators and travel agents.

What about unused accommodation?

There might be things you do end up paying for. But you might be able to claim for them afterwards.

This can include unused accommodation, where you’ll need to contact your credit card provider or a travel insurance firm.

Travel insurance doesn’t cover any loss of earnings if the delayed or cancelled flight means you can’t work.

Do you have a story to share?

For even more unmissable travel news, features and inspiration in your inbox each week, sign up to Metro's The Getaway newsletter.