Ryanair Flight Attendants In Spain Announce 12 New Days Of July Strikes

The strikes will leave countless holidaymakers stranded.


Photo by Simple Flying

As many Europeans prepare for their Summer holidays, some might be facing travel disruptions as Spanish cabin crew working for Irish airline Ryanair prepare to strike in the coming weeks. Crew are demanding better working conditions and pay. Ryanair claimed that disruptions would be "minimal".

Read more: London Gatwick Airport Restricts Airline Operations Over Summer: 50 Flights Per Day To Be Canceled

Crews demands

In a statement, USO and SICTPLA unions said that the crew would strike for 12 days over the summer. The striking days are July 12-15, 18-21, and 25-28 across the 10 Spanish airports where Ryanair operates.

"The unions and crew of Ryanair ... demand a change of attitude from the airline," said the unions, urging the airline to resume negotiations on matters including minimum wage.

Currently, the Irish low-cost carrier is facing strikes by cabin crew in Belgium, Portugal, and France. However, Ryanair said less than 2% of its flights were impacted during the duration of the strikes.

The airline also said "minimal (if any) disruption to its flight schedules in July as a result of minor and poorly supported Spanish labor strikes".

Air Traffic Control strikes across the European continent add to Ryanair's mounting pressure. In a statement, the carrier said, "Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes, and airport staff shortages across Europe (which are beyond Ryanair's control) may, however, cause some minor disruption and passengers whose flights are disrupted... will be notified by email/SMS."

A few weeks ago, Ryanair also faced disruption as a French ATC Centre in Marseille went on strike. French strikes happen almost every year, resulting in countless flights canceled.

Other airlines facing pressure

Ryanair is not the only airline in Europe facing strikes. Its British counterpart, easyJet, is also expecting strikes. easyJet cabin crew based in Spain are expected to strike for nine days this month. A similar situation with Ryanair.

Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport workers in France walked out on strike from Friday until Saturday. As a result, 10% of flights were canceled.

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus is also facing pressure on its network in Ireland as COVID-19 is rampant. The airline has been forced to cancel many flights from its hub in Dublin, leaving holidaymakers stranded and without a holiday.

Ryanair is Europe's number one airline for holidaymakers. Its low fares and no-frills policy make it attractive for people who want to go abroad on holidays. Not having cabin crew is a significant loss for the airline.