Spain general strike on 11 November 2026: what it could mean for UK flights

What has been announced

According to El Diario de Madrid, this is the first general strike backed by both CCOO and UGT since 14 November 2012. Spain's CGT, the regional unions CIG, ELA and LAB and tenants' groups have also joined. UGT says the strike is about higher wages, lower prices, shorter working hours and access to affordable housing.

The formal strike notice for Catalonia was filed on Tuesday 20 October by CCOO, UGT and the tenants' union Sindicat de Llogateres, Moncloa.com reported. The strike comes shortly before Spain's snap general election on 29 November. The employers' federation CEOE has questioned the nature of the demands and has not ruled out a legal challenge; no court had ruled on it as of 20 October.

How flights could be affected

Minimum services, which in practice decide how many flights and trains run during a strike in Spain, had not been set as of 20 October. El Diario de Madrid notes that it is not yet known whether pilots' organisations will take part.

Euro Weekly News says there is no accurate list of affected flights yet. Ground handling and baggage services could be reduced if staff in those areas walk out, and marches in Madrid and Barcelona could slow airport transfers and taxis. The Majorca Daily Bulletin points out that past general strikes have involved airport ground staff, air traffic controllers and cabin crew, and names British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Iberia among the airlines to watch. Jet2 and TUI passengers heading to Spanish resorts should also keep an eye on their bookings. Nothing is certain at this stage: the scale of disruption will depend on participation and minimum services.

Your rights if your flight is disrupted

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer a refund or an alternative flight, and look after you while you wait: meals, refreshments and, if you are stuck overnight, a hotel and transfers. Keep your boarding passes and receipts.

Whether compensation is due depends on the cause. A strike by staff outside the airline, such as airport workers or air traffic controllers, is usually treated as an extraordinary circumstance. A strike by the airline's own staff over their working conditions generally is not, under EU case law. It depends on the facts of each flight, and a cancellation or long delay for another reason can still qualify. If your flight is affected, FlightClaimHQ can check your case and handle the claim for you.

Are flights to Spain cancelled on 11 November?

Not as far as is known. No airline had published cancellations as of 21 October, and minimum services had not been set. Check your flight status closer to the date.

Will I get compensation if the strike cancels my flight?

It depends on who was on strike and why the flight was cancelled. FlightClaimHQ can check your case and handle the claim for you.