SPAIN: Spanish Baggage Handlers' Strikes

Thousands of British holiday makers could face travel chaos this month as airport baggage handlers go on strike at five of Spain's busiest airports.

Passengers flying to and from Spain face delays after four strikes were announced by Spanish unions with walkouts being staged at Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Madrid's Barajas airports.

EasyJet and Vueling are the two airlines likely to be worst affected by the action. Baggage handlers employed at these airports say they are angry that talks about their pay, which has been in negotiation for a year and a half, have been postponed. The unions are planning to strike on different days at each of the airports.

In Malaga workers will walkout on eight days: on September 5, 12, 19 and 26, between 8am and 12pm, and 6pm to 9pm, then on September 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 8am to 11am, and 8pm to 11pm. Alicante and Palma airports will also see eight days of strike action: September 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30, from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm.

Unions are also bringing workers out at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport on four days – September 4, 11, 18 and 25 – and from 4.30am to 7.30am and 7.30pm to 9.30pm. And at Barcelona-El Prat, eight days are affected: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, between the hours of 10am and 12pm, and 6pm to 8pm.

As a result, travellers are advised to check with their airlines to see if their flights will be affected by the industrial action. Customers are also advised to carry essential items such as medication, baby formula, nappies, books and games to keep children occupied in their hand luggage in case of delays.

Customers should allow extra time to get to the gate in time for their flight, as areas such as bag drop could be busier than usual.

In the first instance you should speak to your airline or tour operator as they will be able to provide information on the strike.