Ryanair Downplays Impact of Spanish Baggage Handler Strikes

Ryanair has downplayed the potential disruption to its schedule due to planned stoppages by its baggage handling partner, Azul Handling, at Spanish airports. The union representing about 20% of Azul staff has called strikes over labor rights issues. Despite the strikes, Ryanair expects minimal disruption due to Spanish legislation protecting essential services from total shutdowns. The stoppages are set to take place next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year.

Ryanair has downplayed the potential disruption to its schedule due to planned stoppages by its baggage handling partner, Azul Handling, at Spanish airports. The union representing about 20% of Azul staff has called strikes over labor rights issues. Despite the strikes, Ryanair expects minimal disruption due to Spanish legislation protecting essential services from total shutdowns. The stoppages are set to take place next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year.

The General Union of Workers (UGT) has announced a state-wide strike at Azul Handling, a subsidiary of Ryanair, in response to what they describe as "continuous precariousness" and "constant breaches" of labor rights. Azul Handling provides ground handling services to Ryanair group airlines at numerous Spanish airports. The strikes will affect major airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela [1].

The strikes, initially planned for August 15, 16, and 17, will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 31, 2025. The union has cited issues such as work hours, restrictions on medical leave, and excessive disciplinary measures as reasons for the strike [2]. Ryanair, however, expects minimal disruption due to Spanish legislation that requires some staff to still show up, ensuring minimal operations can still function.

Ryanair's passenger numbers for July increased by 2.5%, reaching 20.7 million travelers with a load factor of 96%. The company remains on track to meet its fiscal year 2026 guidance of 206 million passengers [3]. Despite the strikes, Ryanair expects to maintain this trajectory, with the company projecting approximately 61 million passengers for the second quarter.

The strikes are set to cause significant pain for passengers and for Ryanair, as they could lead to flight delays and cancellations. Ryanair would be liable for rebookings, accommodations, and financial compensation for passengers affected by these disruptions. Not only would this cause financial strain for Ryanair, but this could also result in reputational damage for the company.

References:
[1] https://www.nationalworld.com/travel/travel-news/spain-airports-strike-holiday-warning-for-ryanair-passengers-as-strikes-to-hit-major-airports-until-december-5258766
[2] https://simpleflying.com/strikes-spain-3000-plus-workers-walk-off-job-12-spanish-airports/
[3] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/ryanair-july-passenger-growth-up-25-to-207-million-93CH-4169277