Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Travelers are faced with massive delays at the Madrid-Barajas Airport as a strike on security continues to disrupt flights and cause long queues.
The ongoing industrial action by Trablisa security staff, which began yesterday, is causing waiting times of up to 90 minutes at security checkpoints – nine times longer than the usual 10-minute process.
It is urged that passengers arrive much earlier than usual at Spain’s busiest international airport, as the workers are still on strike and demanding better working conditions and pay.
Aena, the airport operator, has repeatedly apologized to travelers who are frustrated. They have warned that waiting times for security remain severe in all terminals, as there are more than 1,100 daily flights.
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There are significant delays on some flights as passengers rush to clear long security queues.
Only 21 workers from Trablisa’s 850 strong security staff are on strike, but the chaos they cause at checkpoints across the airport is a result of their absence.
Terminal 4, the airport’s main international hub has been hardest hit. Some passengers have reported waiting times of up to two hours.
The dispute is centered around pay and working conditions. Security personnel claim that they are entitled to compensation due to the high workload of Barajas Airport, which has a much higher passenger volume than any other Spanish airport.
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Trablisa has branded the strike ‘illegal and abusive’ and is pursuing legal action to force workers back to their posts.
The company claims that it has improved wages and conditions already, including productivity bonuses as well as a 16% increase in pay under the 2023-2026 national agreement.
The unions say that the improvements made are not enough, given the pressure and workload of Spain’s main gateway airport.
Aena works with state security forces, airline partners and other agencies to minimize disruptions. However, sources say that the situation is still challenging as there is no end in sight for the indefinite action.
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Madrid’s regional government established a 100% minimum service, but it has not prevented the chaos that has left many British tourists frustrated and stranded at the beginning of their Spanish holiday.
It is advised that passengers travelling through Barajas on Tuesday check their airline for the most recent updates and allow extra time to complete security procedures.
The strike is part of a summer-long disruption of airport transport in Spain, following previous walkouts from baggage handlers as well as passport control staff that caused similar travel chaos for millions.
The Olive Press offers more Madrid News.
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