Palma de Mallorca workers plan July 25 walkout amid protests over “inhumane” conditions, risking holiday chaos.
Palma de Mallorca, July 18 – Spain’s Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of Europe’s busiest holiday gateways, faces major disruption on July 25 after the UGT union announced a four-hour strike during peak summer travel.
The strike, timed to hit during the start of the peak holiday period, is a protest against what workers call “inhumane working conditions”, including long shifts without rest, irregular schedules, holiday denials, and unsafe working environments amid ongoing terminal construction.
The protest is part of a wider wave of unrest in Spain’s tourism sector, with similar strikes and demonstrations also expected in Ibiza, Menorca, and Barcelona, sparking fears of widespread travel chaos across the Balearic Islands.
Why Palma de Mallorca Airport Matters
- Handles millions of summer travelers from the UK, Germany, and mainland Europe.
- Serves as a major hub for Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI Airways, and other holiday carriers.
- Any disruption can cause flight delays, cancellations, and long queues, impacting the entire Mediterranean travel network.
What’s Causing the Strike?
Union representatives accuse airport management of:
✅ Forcing excessive working hours without proper rest breaks.
✅ Refusing holiday requests even during off-peak periods.
✅ Failing to implement adequate health and safety protocols while terminal construction continues.
✅ Overloading staff due to a massive surge in post-pandemic tourism.
“We are not asking for luxury—just basic dignity and safer conditions for the staff who keep this airport running,” a UGT union leader told local Spanish media.
Who Will Be Affected?
- Holiday travelers to Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and mainland Spain.
- Flights from London, Manchester, Frankfurt, and Paris that rely on Palma Airport for connecting tourists.
- Package holiday companies that already struggle with overbooked resorts this summer.
Travel experts warn the July 25 walkout could create a domino effect, with knock-on delays lasting 24–48 hours after the strike.
Other Protests Across Spain
This isn’t an isolated incident:
- Ibiza and Menorca hospitality workers have staged protests demanding better pay and work hours.
- At Barcelona-El Prat Airport, security staff are threatening to join the movement if their demands are ignored.
- Mallorca taxi drivers have also threatened to strike, citing exhaustion from overwork caused by record-breaking tourist numbers.
Tips for Travelers
- Reconfirm your flight status frequently, especially between July 23–27.
- Arrive at the airport early to handle potential security and baggage delays.
- Consider travel insurance that covers flight disruption.
- If possible, adjust your travel dates to avoid the peak strike period.
Bigger Picture: Is Spain’s Tourism Model at a Breaking Point?
Spain has seen record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024–2025, but workers say the tourism boom has created unbearable pressure on staff, sparking a wave of strikes across airports, hotels, and transport services.
Local governments in the Balearic Islands are now scrambling to mediate, warning that sustained unrest could damage the region’s reputation as a reliable holiday destination.
