Workers are set to strike at airports across Spain within hours amid a dispute over pay and working conditions.

Partial, open-ended action by handling company Groundforce is set to begin at 5am on Friday, raising concerns over disruption at key travel hubs, including in Andalucia.

The stoppages, called by unions CCOO, UGT and USO, come amid an escalating labour dispute over pay at the Globalia-owned operator.

With no end date in sight, the action is expected to create ongoing uncertainty for airport operations over the crucial Easter period.

Impact in Andalucia: Malaga and Sevilla affected

Airports in southern Spain will be among the tourist favourites to feel the impact.

At Malaga and Sevilla, minimum service levels for international routes and longer domestic journeys have been set at around 59% during the Easter period.

This means a significant portion of ground handling services will still operate, but delays and disruption remain likely, especially during peak hours.

Given the heavy passenger traffic Andalucia typically sees at this time of year, particularly around Easter, even partial disruption could have a noticeable effect on flight schedules and airport operations.

Disruptions expected across key time slots

The strikes will take place in three daily windows: from 5am to 7am, 11am to 5pm, and 10pm to midnight.

This staggered schedule is expected to cause intermittent disruption, particularly during busy turnaround periods when services like baggage handling and boarding are critical.

Pay dispute at the centre of the conflict

At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement over salary increases linked to inflation.

Unions argue the company has failed to apply agreed pay terms designed to protect workers’ purchasing power.

According to their figures, administrative staff and agents have received a 4.58% increase, compared to 7.82% for other groups.

They say this undermines the agreement in place. The company has not yet issued a public response.

Wider tensions in the sector

The situation could worsen in the coming weeks.

Workers at Menzies Aviation are also planning strike action affecting around 3,000 employees. If unresolved, this could extend to weekends throughout the year, adding further strain to airport services, including those in Andalucia.

Minimum services set by government

Spain’s Ministry of Transport has imposed minimum service levels to limit disruption.

For key routes, services will range between 49% and 60% depending on the airport and type of connection.

In Andalucia, Málaga and Sevilla – the two major airports in the region – fall within the mid-range bracket, meaning reduced but still active operations.

Even with minimum services in place, passengers are being advised to expect delays and allow extra time at the airport as the situation develops.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.