Passengers urged to check flights as strike continues
The indefinite strike by Groundforce employees at Barcelona-El Prat Airport has entered its third week, with no negotiations in sight and ongoing disruption for travellers. Since the industrial action began on 4 August 2026, nearly 270 flights have been cancelled and around 6,000 bags remain stranded at the airport. Groundforce staff handle check-in, boarding, baggage and flight coordination for approximately 20 airlines. The 1,179 striking workers are employed at El Prat only; operations at other Spanish airports are unaffected.
Core demands focus on safety, not pay
The strike committee, led by the CGT union, says the action is not about salary increases or additional holidays. Instead, workers are demanding improvements in occupational health and safety, dignified shift patterns and better work-life balance.
We’re not asking for money, but for issues that affect our safety and health.
Workers cite chronic understaffing, high turnover, insufficient training, unpaid overtime and inadequate rest periods. Esther García, CGT spokesperson, accused new management of rolling back employee rights and ignoring long-standing risks to wellbeing. Juan Navarro, CGT representative, confirmed the company has not engaged in talks since 24 July, before the strike began. No mediation has been scheduled since that date.
Major airlines affected, passengers advised to act
Airlines impacted include Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Air Europa, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines. On 13 August alone, 18 flights were cancelled, with Lufthansa Group airlines among the hardest hit. Delays at baggage reclaim have exceeded five hours in some cases. Aena reported 5.87 million passengers passed through El Prat in July 2026, a 6 per cent increase year on year, highlighting the strain on services during peak summer travel. Passengers are advised to check directly with their airline before travelling. Lufthansa has deployed senior executives to Barcelona to help manage the situation, though no resolution has been announced.
The strike remains indefinite with no end date set.
Reported by Catalan.News.
Related on our sister title Catalan.News: Barcelona Airport Strike Enters Third Week.
