BRITS heading to Spain in the next few weeks have been warned of upcoming strikes which could cause travel chaos.
Staff at are preparing strike action across the next two weeks.
Staff at Palma Airport are staging multiple walkouts this week Credit: Alamy
The airport has warned of potential delays for passengers Credit: Getty
There are multiple walkouts being held by different unions at the airport which start from today.
The first are by those working in technical maintenance, ground equipment and airport infrastructure roles which will stage 24-hour walkouts.
These are being planned by three unions which start today until July 30.
Swissport, which is a leading company for airport ground services and air cargo handling, has also planned strike action starting on July 28 as well as August 1, 4 and 8.
On these days ground staff will walk out between 7am to 12pm, then again from 7pm to 10pm.
The airport has warned there to be major disruption tomorrow when a key pinch point is on Tuesday when both sets of workers will walk out at the same time.
Airlines affected by the Swissport ground handlers’ dispute include .
But others could be affected too, as a statement from the airport said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines”.
Popular airlines taking Brits to the island include , easyJet and .
The airport said: “Large-scale airport strikes can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect. If Swissport-served flights experience delays at the gates, it can sometimes lead to localised congestion on the tarmac or minor delays at security control.”
The airport has said that it’s unlikely there will be ‘widespread cancellations’ Credit: Boarding1Now
It continued: “That said, any disruption for non-Swissport passengers is expected to be minimal.”
The airport did then add that the impact for passengers is likely to be “longer waiting times” and delays due to “operational bottlenecks.”
But added that “widespread cancellations are unlikely”.
Delays are likely to be at check-in and bag drop locations before departure, as well as passengers boarding during the morning and evening.
On the strike, Ryanair told that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”.
is one of Spain’s busiest during the summer season.
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin , the Majorca Hoteliers Federation has said that 2.2million Brits travelled to Majorca last year and this summer it will be even more.
With being implemented, it’s possible there could be longer queues due to .
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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