Easter Travel chaos: When are strikes in Spain taking place plus date of European Union's Entry/Exit System
Travellers may be facing lengthy delays if they are travelling to Spain this Easter.
Two days ago, a person posted in the Facebook group for Estepona Info & Chat and wrote: “Does anyone have any further information on the proposed strikes at Malaga airport? These are starting 27th March. I’m flying home on the 30th March to the UK. Baggage handlers, boarding gates and ground crew striking. Twelve airports across Spain are involved. It will be absolute chaos if this happens.”
In response, a person wrote: “I don't know details but honestly I'm glad to hear this. I worked at Malaga airport for a time and it was pretty hellish. Airlines keep selling more and more tickets, there are more and more passengers and queues and the staff are left to pick up the pieces. The airline industry has a lot of changes ahead.”
Another person said: “My goodness I had no idea about this.. I am disabled and am flying out on 29th March. I am wondering if this strike will affect the help given?”
There are 12 airports that are planning industrial action and strikes are reportedly starting on Friday March 27, with walkouts scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Baggage handling staff are planning 24-hour strikes on March 28-29 and from April 2-6.
Which airports could be disrupted by these strikes?
Airports that could be disrupted by the strikes include Bilbao, Valencia, Madrid-Barajas, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona-El Prat.
When is the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) implemented and what is it?
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased rollout on October 12, 2025, but full implementation is scheduled for April 10, 2026, which is set to cause further delays during Easter. The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), a new automated IT system for registering non-EU travellers. According to the government’s website, “The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 This is a new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area EES checks are being introduced in a phased way for non-EU and UK travellers, with full operation expected from April 2026. “
“If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.”