Gran Canaria & Tenerife — Ground-handling strikes in the Canary Islands are into Day 2 this Saturday with Menzies joining the action that began on Friday at Azul Handling (Ryanair’s provider). Unions estimate 189 flights and nearly 40,000 passengers could feel some impact across the 15–17 August long weekend. The picture so far: long queues at busy times, few or no cancellations on the islands, and airlines keeping most services running under legally required minimum service levels.

 
 
 

 

-----

Google provide a way for you to
Buy us a coffee, keep the lights on,
help our non-profit charity The Long Walk do great work
#LoveGranCanaria

 

 

Who’s striking and when

Azul Handling (Ryanair group)

  • Where: All Spanish bases where Azul operates, including Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife South (TFS) and Lanzarote (ACE).

  • When: Fri–Sun 15–17 Aug, then every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31 December 2025.

  • Daily windows: 05:00–09:00, 12:00–15:00, 21:00–23:59.

  • Why (union claims): excessive/forced overtime, sanctions, staffing shortages, and failure to respect labour rulings.

Menzies

  • Where (Canaries): Gran Canaria, Tenerife North (TFN), Tenerife South.

  • Airlines typically handled: Jet2.com, easyJet, Canaryfly and others.

  • When: 24-hour stoppages on the remaining August weekends: 16–17, 23–24, 30–31 Aug.

  • Why (union claims): breaches of sector agreement on pay/conditions and unilateral shift changes affecting rest and holidays.

Union UGT says talks with Menzies are “moving in the right direction”, but this weekend’s strikes go ahead. Azul actions continue on the stated pattern through year-end unless a deal is reached.

What’s actually happening at the airports

  • Day 1 (Friday): Gran Canaria saw long check-in lines at times, especially early morning, but operations were largely normal with no significant delays or cancellations reported on the islands.

  • This weekend: Expect the first morning wave to be most affected. The main pressure points are bag drop, boarding and baggage delivery on arrival.

  • By airport (flights flagged by unions): Tenerife South 69, Lanzarote 52, Gran Canaria 36, Fuerteventura 32, Tenerife North 10.

Spain’s Transport Ministry has imposed high minimum service levels (around 80–90% for protected routes to/from the islands). That keeps most flights operating, but a work-to-rule approach (strictly following every procedure) means things move slower.

What passengers should watch for

  • From the UK/Ireland to the Canaries:

    • Ryanair flights may face slower turnarounds at island airports during Azul strike windows.

    • Jet2.com and easyJet services can see longer queues where Menzies handles ground operations.

    • Aer Lingus flights are mainly affected when connecting via mainland Spain or where local ground teams are reduced.

  • Within Spain (domestic legs): Inter-island and island–mainland services are protected by minimums, but allow extra time at check-in and for baggage.

  • Connections: If you’re connecting via Madrid/Barcelona or other mainland hubs, leave more margin between flights; a short delay on the first leg can jeopardise a tight connection.

Top Tips

  • Check early, check often: Use your airline app and email/SMS alerts from 24 hours before departure; refresh again before leaving for the airport.

  • Travel light if possible: Cabin-bag only is the best hedge against strike-day delays.

  • Arrive earlier than usual: Especially for dawn departures during the 05:00–09:00 window.

  • Keep documents & receipts: Boarding passes, delay notifications and any extra costs (meals, hotels, transfers) support later claims.

  • Plan for arrivals: If someone is collecting you, warn them baggage may take longer.

  • If you miss a connection: Speak to the airline immediately at the desk or via the app—rebooking options are better the sooner you ask.

 

Your passenger rights (quick guide)

  • EU flights (incl. Ireland ↔ Canaries, Spain domestic, and EU carriers leaving the UK): EU Regulation 261/2004 applies. You’re entitled to rerouting or refund for cancellations, plus care (meals/hotel/transfers) during long waits. Compensation (€250–€600) depends on distance, notice given and the delay on arrival, and may not apply if a suitable alternative is offered within set time limits.

  • UK-departing flights on UK carriers: UK261 (the UK’s version of EU261) mirrors similar protections on compensation, refund and care. Always claim with the airline first; travel insurance can help with extras not covered by statute.

Tip: Compensation rules are technical. If in doubt, submit the claim with your timelines and let the airline respond; you can escalate to the relevant regulator or an ADR body if needed.

The outlook

  • Azul Handling stoppages return Wednesday and then every Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun through the year.

  • Menzies has two more August weekends of 24-hour action in the Canaries while talks continue.

  • On the islands, most flights are still operating, but early-morning queues and baggage delays are likely on strike days.

Bottom line: Your flight will probably go, but expect things to take longer than normal. Build in extra time, pack smart, and keep an eye on updates—small steps that make a big difference to a smooth start or finish to your trip.