Spanish air strikes may cause delays for Irish passengers

Spanish air traffic controllers are set to strike over four days this week causing possible disruption to holiday makers travelling between airports in Ireland and Spain.

Air traffic controllers are scheduled to strike on June 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th for two hours each morning and two hours each afternoon at airports across Spain.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it was possible that some flights between Ireland and Spain would be affected by the strike action during the week.

A statement from the IAA said: “We understand that the strike action will be for short periods and therefore the disruption to services should be limited.

“We advise passengers to contact their airlines for more information. Irish air traffic control will continue to operate as normal during the period of the strikes.”

A statement from Ryanair said operations would run as normal during the week but advised customers travelling to and from Spain to check the status of their flight on the Ryanair website before travelling.

A statement from Aer Lingus said the airline planned to operate a full flight schedule on Monday, June 8th, adding that it did not anticipate any impact on flights between Ireland and Spain.

A spokeswoman for Dublin Airport Authority also advised passengers to consult with airlines and check online updates before travelling to the airport.

The strikes were announced in May in response to sanctions handed down by AENA - the Spanish airport authority - to 61 air controllers in Barcelona.

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) expressed dismay last month following the announcement of the strike, saying the action would be “a real inconvenience to Irish holiday markers”.

Chief executive of ITAA Pat Dawson said all member travel agents would work closely with customers to minimise any inconveniences and keep them up to date with delays and cancellations.

Additional reporting from Reuters