Ground Handling Strikes at Alicante Airport: What Easter Travellers Need to Know
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Updated 01/04/2026
If you are planning to fly via Alicante Airport this Easter, you should be aware of the current strike action.
Who is striking?
Originally, workers from two ground handling companies, Groundforce and Menzies, had called for walkouts. However, following a mediation deal reached on 31st March, the Menzies strike has been officially called off.
What are the reasons for the strike?
The disputes centre on pay, working conditions, and job security. The unions (UGT, CCOO, and USO) have been negotiating over salary increases linked to inflation, unpredictable shift patterns, and excessive overtime.
In the case of Menzies, an agreement was reached at the Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA) regarding economic guarantees for staff and improvements to shift management. However, at Groundforce, the dispute remains unresolved due to ongoing disagreements over pay.
Which dates will be affected at Alicante Airport?
Menzies: The 24-hour strikes previously scheduled for 2nd to 6th April have been cancelled.
Groundforce: The partial strikes are still going ahead. They started on Monday, 30th March and will continue indefinitly until an agreement is reached.
Are other airports also affected?
Yes. The Groundforce strikes are not isolated to Alicante; they are affecting 12 licences across Spain, including major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Málaga. You may experience “knock-on” effects; for example, a flight arriving at Alicante from Madrid may already be delayed due to industrial action at the departure airport.
What is the specific strike schedule?
The following table has been updated to reflect the most recent cancellations:
| Date | Groundforce (Partial Strikes) every Mon, Wed, Fri | Menzies (24-Hour Strike) |
| Fri, 27th March | Strike suspended | CANCELLED |
| Sat, 28th March | No strike | CANCELLED |
| Sun, 29th March | No strike | CANCELLED |
| Mon, 30th April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | CANCELLED |
| Wed, 1st April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | CANCELLED |
| Thu, 2nd April | No strike | CANCELLED |
| Fri, 3rd April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | CANCELLED |
| Sat, 4th April | No strike | CANCELLED |
| Sun, 5th April | No strike | CANCELLED |
| Mon, 6th April | 05:00-07:00 / 11:00-17:00 / 22:00-00:00 | CANCELLED |
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?
Despite the Menzies cancellation, the Groundforce action will still cause disruption. Travel experts recommend the following:
Arrive early: Aim to be at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential queues at check-in.
Hand luggage only: If possible, avoid checking in bags. Ground handling strikes often result in significant delays at baggage carousels upon arrival.
Stay updated: Use your airline’s mobile app and enable notifications for real-time updates on flight status and gate changes.