Ground Handling Strikes at Alicante Airport: What Easter Travellers Need to Know
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Who is striking?
If you are planning to fly through Alicante Airport this Easter, you should be aware of a series of planned strikes by ground handling staff. Workers from two major companies, Groundforce and Menzies, have called for industrial action.
What are the reasons for the strike?
The strikes were called following disputes over pay and working conditions. The unions (UGT, CCOO, and USO) argue that agreed-upon salary increases linked to inflation haven’t been met and that staff are facing unpredictable schedules and excessive overtime. Unless a last-minute mediation deal is reached, these walkouts will affect airport operations during the holiday period.
Which dates will be affected at Alicante Airport?
The scheduled action is set to begin on 27th March, with Groundforce employees participating in partial daily walkouts. From 28th March, Menzies staff are scheduled to join with 24-hour strikes on specific days. Because both companies hold licences to operate at Alicante, the combined activity is expected to impact baggage handling, check-in services, and aircraft ramp assistance. You can find a detailed breakdown of the overlapping schedules in the table below.
Are other airports also affected?
These strikes are not isolated to Alicante; they are occurring simultaneously at other major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. It is therefore possible that there might be a “knock-on” effect across the Spanish aviation network. For example, if a plane departing from Madrid is delayed due to the Groundforce strike there, its arrival at Alicante will be set back. Upon landing, it may then encounter further delays if the local handling teams are also on strike. This can lead to a cumulative delay throughout the day, potentially impacting flight schedules and connections.
What is the specific strike schedule?
The following table outlines the planned industrial action over the Easter period:
| Date | Groundforce (Partial Strikes) every Mon, Wed, Fri | Menzies (24-Hour Strike) | Overlap Period |
| 27th March | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | No Strike | N/A |
| 28th March | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | All Day (24h) | During Groundforce strike periods |
| 29th March | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | All Day (24h) | During Groundforce strike periods |
| 30th-1st April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | No Strike | N/A |
| 2nd-6th April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | All Day (24h) | During Groundforce strike periods |
It is important to note that the unions have declared the Groundforce walkouts to be indefinite, meaning these partial stoppages will continue on their scheduled days (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) until further notice.
What advice should passengers follow?
Travel experts recommend arriving at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential queues at check-in and security. If possible, travel with hand luggage only to avoid delays at check-in and at the baggage carousels, as ground handling strikes often lead to significant wait times for checked bags. Finally, double-check your flight status and ensure you have your airline’s mobile app installed and notifications enabled, as this is typically the fastest way to receive real-time updates regarding gate changes or delays.