Indefinite Palma Airport strike abandoned at 11th hour

An indefinite peak summer strike by a group of workers at Palma Airport has been called off at the 11th hour.

Staff employed by Swissport, described as a “major player” at the island’s gateway, had been due to stage a long-term strike from today (Tuesday).

The action would have involved employees managing check-in desks, baggage handling and ramp services.

Swissport works for airlines such as Tui at the Majorcan airport but not Jet2, EasyJet or Ryanair.

However, the airport had warned that large-scale strikes “can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect”.

The airport added: “If Swissport-served flights experience delays at the gates, it can sometimes lead to localised congestion on the tarmac or minor delays at security control.”

But any disruption for non-Swissport passengers was expected to be minimal.

Under Spanish law, air transport is classified as an essential public service. This means strikes cannot legally bring an airport to a complete standstill.

Partial strikes by Swissport employees were held at peak mornings and evenings on July 28 and August 1.

Passengers had been advised to travel with hand luggage only to bypass potential check-in and baggage carousel delays.

However, the airport confirmed: “The indefinite Swissport strike that was due to start on 4/8/2026 has been called off.”