FLIGHTS to and from Spain are being disrupted today due to a 24-hour nationwide strike.
Staff all over the country, including at its airports, are staging a walkout resulting in delays and cancelled flights – some of which are from the UK.
Looking on FlightRadar24, Madrid Barajas Airport has had 156 of its flights cancelled so far – which is 13 per cent.
At Barcelona El Prat Airport, 79 flights have been cancelled so far today.
From London Heathrow, two British Airways flights have been cancelled so far, one to Lisbon and one to Barcelona.
Another heading to Madrid from London Heathrow with Iberia this morning has also been cancelled.
From London Gatwick, a number of flights have been cancelled including one heading to Barcelona with Vueling.
Another heading to Lisbon with easyJet from London Gatwick this evening also won’t go ahead.
Iberia, which is the flag carrier airline of Spain, has urged travellers to get to airports in Spain early due to potential delays at check-in and passport control.
On its website, it also warned of delays at Madrid Airport due to difficulty accessing it.
As a result it said that some of its flights to and from Madrid may be affected until tomorrow.
There is still a minimum flight service requirement in place.
Business Travel News Europe reported that there must be at least 57 per cent of international flights at Madrid and 56 per cent at Barcelona.
Anyone flying to or from Spain is urged to check the status of their flight with the airline before going to the airport.
It’s not just air travel that is experiencing disruption, public transport like the Metro, high-speed rail and buses is also affected.
The strike is protesting the escalating housing crisis – and it will be the country’s first joint general strike in almost 15 years.
Major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona could see large demonstrations, which could block streets and impact traffic.
The US Embassy in Spain said: “Public transportation will be limited to minimum services. Confirm travel plans with your train company/airline and expect delays. Demonstrations can cause last-minute closures or cancellations.
“Museums, shops, restaurants, and pharmacies may be closed. Plan in advance for personal needs.”
The strike comes weeks before the general election which will be held in Spain on November 29.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.