Travelers planning a spring getaway to Spain are being warned to expect significant disruption, as nationwide airport strikes are set to coincide with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Major Spanish unions, including UGT, CCOO and USO, have announced a series of industrial actions affecting ground handling services across the country. The strikes will overlap with Semana Santa, when passenger numbers peak.

The disruption is expected to impact 12 of Spain’s busiest airports and could continue until the end of 2026 if negotiations over wages and working conditions fail.

At the center of the strike is Groundforce, a key operator responsible for handling flights at major tourist hubs. The indefinite phase of the strike is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Industrial action will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during specific time windows, creating recurring waves of delays. In addition, full 24-hour shutdowns by other ground service providers are planned for March 28–29 and April 2–6, raising the risk of widespread cancellations and operational chaos.

The strikes will hit Spain’s most heavily trafficked airports, including Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona-El Prat Airport, as well as key regional gateways such as Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Alicante-Elche Airport, Valencia Airport and Bilbao Airport.

Island destinations, which see a surge in holiday travel during spring, are also affected. These include Palma de Mallorca Airport, Ibiza Airport, Tenerife North Airport, Tenerife South Airport, Gran Canaria Airport, Lanzarote Airport and Fuerteventura Airport.

With peak-season demand already high, even limited disruptions could quickly escalate into long queues, missed connections and last-minute cancellations.

Travelers are advised to check flight status regularly, allow extra time at airports and prepare for possible itinerary changes, particularly if flying during the Easter holiday period.