Ryanair handling strike in Spain is now daily, indefinite

Published on Oct 17, 2025, 9:06 am CDT

3 min read

Key points

Daily, indefinite Azul Handling strike from October 1
Peak windows 5-9 a.m., noon-3 p.m., 9-11:59 p.m.
Minimum-service rules vary by route and airport
Expect slower check-in and baggage delivery at major bases
Build extra time, travel off-peak, and carry on when possible

Impact

Airports: Staffing dips below minimums can slow check-in, baggage, and turnarounds.
Flights: Most flights operate under Spain's minimum-service protections by route type.
Travelers: Arrive earlier, avoid peak windows, and use carry-on to bypass bag delays.
Outlook: Action is open-ended; schedule buffers likely around Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Seville, and Valencia.

Ryanair's Spanish ground-handling contractor, Azul Handling, shifted to a daily, indefinite strike beginning October 1. The action, which initially ran in set windows, now covers 24 hours a day under Spain's minimum-service order. Travelers should plan for slower check-in and baggage delivery, plus periodic day-of departure delays when staffing dips below mandated minimums at Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas (BCN), Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), Seville Airport (SVQ), and Valencia Airport (VLC).

Ryanair handling strike, daily schedule and protections

Spain's transport ministry confirmed the strike is daily and indefinite from October 1, with Azul Handling obligated to meet minimum-service levels that vary by route category. Non-peninsular domestic routes are protected at levels intended to re-accommodate about 90 percent of passengers; long domestic routes and international flights target about 65 percent; short domestic routes target about 40 percent, producing lower protection at some mainland bases.

Latest developments

Unions first staged windowed stoppages, typically 5 to 9 a.m., noon to 3 p.m., and 9 to 11:59 p.m., aligning with airport peaks. While the current action is 24 hours, these windows remain the most pressure-packed for lines and late bags. Expect more friction when operations bunch into those peaks at major Ryanair stations.

For a running list of affected airports and timing, see our earlier coverage, including Spain baggage-handler strikes: timetable and airports and Spain baggage-handler strike keeps rippling delays.

Analysis

Minimum-service rules should keep most flights operating, but protection levels differ. Routes to and from islands see higher protections, while short mainland hops are less protected, increasing the odds of baggage delays or turn time constraints at busy bases like Barcelona and Valencia. Operations can hold together in the morning if staffing meets the plan, but any gap can stack into the midday and late-evening banks. AENA and individual airports are flagging the indefinite nature of the action and urging travelers to check with their airline before heading to the airport.

Practical workarounds help. Book off-peak departures outside the traditional 5-9 a.m., noon-3 p.m., and late-evening surges. Use carry-on only to bypass potentially slow bag belts, and add 30 to 60 minutes to your normal airport arrival at the listed stations. When checking bags, tag and drop early at self-service where available, and keep medication, keys, and essentials with you. Monitor your airline app for gate changes, baggage status, and any day-of delay advisories tied to staffing.

Final thoughts

The Ryanair handling strike now operates daily without an end date. Spain's minimum-service framework will prevent a full stop, but travelers should avoid peak windows, expect slower ground handling at big bases, and plan extra buffer time while the Ryanair handling strike continues.