Handling Strikes at Alicante: What Travellers Need to Know
Sunday, August 10th, 2025
Updated 10/9/2025
Disruption for Alicante Airport Passengers
Holidaymakers and business travellers heading through Alicante-Elche Airport this August may face disruption due to an ongoing ground handling strike. The action involves staff working for Ryanair’s handling provider Azul Handling, which serves Ryanair flights across Spain.
A second strike by Menzies Aviation, which handles several major international airlines at Alicante, was suspended following a preliminary agreement with unions.
Ryanair Strike Continues
The Ryanair strike, carried out by ground handling staff employed by Azul Handling, began on 15th August and is scheduled to continue until 31st December 2025. It takes place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during three daily stoppage periods:
- 05:00–09:00
- 12:00–15:00
- 21:00–23:59
What Impact Has the Ryanair Strike Had So Far?
So far at Alicante, the impact of the Ryanair strike has been limited. The first days of industrial action led to queues and minor delays, with most flights delayed by around 15 minutes, and a few by up to 45 minutes. There have not yet been large-scale cancellations.
The main reason for this is that Spanish minimum service laws require airlines to operate a significant portion of their schedules during busy travel periods. Unions have criticised Ryanair for classifying nearly all flights as “protected,” reducing the visible effect of the strike. Ryanair itself has stated that it does not anticipate major operational problems as a result of the action.
Even so, the strike is set to continue for several months, covering both the autumn half-term and the Christmas travel period. While Alicante has so far escaped serious disruption, other Spanish airports have already seen cancellations, so passengers are advised to remain alert in case the situation escalates.
Does Azul handle other airlines apart from Ryanair?
Azul Handling is a Ryanair-owned company dedicated exclusively to Ryanair’s operations in Spain. This means that if you are flying with another airline, Azul’s strike will not directly affect your check-in or boarding, unless your flight is scheduled immediately after a Ryanair service that has been delayed, which could cause knock-on effects at the gate.
What Do Handling Staff Do?
Ground handling teams carry out all the essential services that keep an airport running smoothly. This includes:
- Passenger services: check-in, boarding gate operations, and assisting passengers with special requirements.
- Baggage handling: loading and unloading luggage, ensuring it reaches the correct flight.
- Aircraft services: guiding planes on the apron, connecting ground power, and preparing aircraft for departure.
When handling staff are on strike, it affects almost every stage of a passenger’s journey, from check-in and security queues to boarding times and baggage collection. A lack of staff can cause bottlenecks that ripple through the day’s schedule, meaning even flights outside the strike hours may be delayed.
Tips for Passengers Travelling Through Alicante Airport During the Strikes
- Arrive early: Allow extra time at the airport, especially on strike days.
- Check your airline’s updates: Most will post real-time information about delays and cancellations on their website or app.
- Travel light if possible: Minimise checked baggage to speed up your journey.
- Consider travel insurance: Policies that cover delays and cancellations can provide peace of mind.