Brits travelling to Spain and the Canary Islands face travel chaos due to a 24-hour general strike affecting the country’s planes, trains and public transport.
Scheduled for Wednesday November 11, the strike was called by the country’s largest unions, UGT and CCOO.
This makes it the country’s first joint general strike — and therefore the largest — in 14 years.
Within the travel industry, sectors including aviation, ground handling, security, and air traffic control are set to be affected.
It will also impact hospitality services, with pharmacies and restaurants potentially closing.
Spain sees over 19 million British tourists a year, with over 1,000,000 estimated to be jetting over in November alone.
If you’re going to be in Spain tomorrow, here’s how your holiday could be affected. so this could see wide disruption for tourists planning to visit for some winter sun.
Flights
Spanish authorities have confirmed minimum service guarantees for major hubs.
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At Madrid’s Barajas Airport, which sees over 68,000,000 passengers a year, 57% of international flights are set to operate alongside 32% of domestic services and 78% of connections to the Spanish islands.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, which sees over 57,000,000 passengers a year, will maintain 56% of international flights, 34% of domestic services, and 79% for island routes during the 24-hour industrial action.
However, EasyJet, which flies 20 Spanish destinations, tells Metro that they do not expect disruption from the strikes and will be operating as normal.
Spanish airline Iberia has warned passengers that some flights may be affected by the industrial action and is offering alternative arrangements to customers whose travel plans are disrupted.
Iberia passengers scheduled to travel on November 11 can either change their travel date by November 26, or request a refund via a voucher or the original payment method.
The airline states: ‘In response to this situation, which is beyond Iberia’s control, we are offering our customers alternatives so they can reorganise their trip more conveniently.’
Adding, ‘We are sorry for any inconvenience this situation beyond Iberia’s control may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding.’
The airline also encourages travellers on November 11 to arrive earlier than usual at the airport, as check-in, security and passport control could take longer than normal.
Plus, where possible, they are urging customers to travel with hand luggage only and check in online or via their app, to speed up the process.
Rail
National operator Renfe has been mandated by the government to maintain at least 73% of its high-speed AVE and long-distance services on November 11.
Meanwhile, rival high-speed operator Ouigo plans to run 18 out of its 26 scheduled services during the walkout.
Additional disruption will hit the network on November 10 and 12 due to separate walkouts called by the train drivers’ union SEMAF, which includes a 24-hour strike followed by three partial stoppages.
During these specific days, the government has guaranteed at least 72% of AVE and long-distance trains, alongside 65% for Renfe’s regional services.
What about the hospitality industry?
Beyond transport, the nationwide walkout threatens widespread disruption across hotels, restaurants, museums, shops, and pharmacies, with many local businesses facing potential closures or reduced staffing levels.
Demonstrations and picket lines are projected to sweep across Spain, triggering heightened police deployments, road closures, and disruption on local transit networks.
Why are people protesting?
There are two main reasons for the nationwide walkout.
Firstly, there’s a housing crisis in Spain with a 750,000 home shortfall since 2021, according to the Bank of Spain.
And, property prices in Spain right now are about 13% higher than one year ago, according to the INE’s 2026 national housing price index.
Overtourism is largely to blame for this crisis. It’s become near-impossible for locals in need of accommodation to compete with tourists willing to pay premium prices for short-term holiday lets.
Just last month, protestors in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia swarmed the streets, demanding greater protections for tenants.
Around 500,000 people came out in support — many of whom held up signs that read ‘right to a roof’, while others chanted ‘your profits, our misery’.
Workers are also striking against low wages and long working hours.
The strike will be the latest in a series of demonstrations in Spain this year, with the last provoked by the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal in Madrid, on September 23, who has since passed.
This triggered a snap general election for November 29, with Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, the leader of the opposition People’s Party, pledging to double homebuilding and cut taxes.
What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK and EU airlines must look after you if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
This includes everything from meals and accommodation to an alternative flight if necessary.
Citizens Advice says that airlines should also give impacted passengers access to phone calls and emails and, if they offer you a place to stay, organise the journeys between the hotel and the airport.
Sometimes, the airline will cover this by handing you vouchers at the airport. When in doubt, keep any receipts for expenses and claim them back afterwards from the airline.
Can I get any extra financial compensation?
If you face disruption due to a certain list of ‘extraordinary circumstances’, they’re considered outside the airline’s control, and therefore you’re unlikely to receive any extra cash.
‘Extraordinary circumstances’ can include a fire, bird strikes, defects with a plane, or bad weather.
They can also include industrial action unrelated to the airline — such as baggage handlers or air traffic control strikes.
Because they’re largely considered outside the airline’s control, it means passengers are not entitled to extra financial compensation
However, as previously stated, you can still expect to be looked after by the airline.
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