EasyJet Cabin Crew Strikes: What Palma Travellers Need to Know

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

Updated: Saturday, the 28th of June 2025

Industrial action disrupts flights at Palma Airport and other Spanish bases

Travellers flying to and from Palma de Mallorca with easyJet between Wednesday, the 25th and Friday, the 27th of June, experienced significant disruption due to industrial action by the airline’s cabin crew based in Spain. The strike, organised by the USO (Unión Sindical Obrera) union, involved over 650 flight attendants across the airline’s Spanish hubs, including Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Barcelona, and Málaga.

The walkout formed part of a broader campaign by USO to achieve improved pay and working conditions for Spanish crew members, whose salaries reportedly lag behind those of colleagues at other European bases. The union argues that, given the rising cost of living in Spain, wage levels and working conditions should be brought into line with European standards.

Effects of the three-day strike

Despite efforts to reach a resolution prior to the 25th of June, discussions had ultimately stalled, especially over salary-related issues. As a result, the strike went ahead as planned over three consecutive days.

By the end of the industrial action, more than 210 easyJet flights had been cancelled across the four affected airports, representing around 62% of the airline’s scheduled operations at those locations during the strike period. At Palma Airport alone, over 50 flights were scrapped, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers.

easyJet’s response and allegations of strike-breaking

In advance of the walkouts, easyJet had stated its intention to maintain normal operations and minimise disruption, aided by legal requirements to uphold minimum service levels during industrial action in Spain. Nevertheless, the scale of the cancellations suggests that these measures were not entirely effective.

Following the strikes, USO accused the airline of using “strike-breaking” tactics by deploying crew from other European bases to cover affected flights in Spain. The union has since reported these alleged practices to the Spanish labour inspectorate.

easyJet maintains that all staff are employed under local contracts in accordance with national laws and standard market practices. The airline insists that pay and conditions are determined on a country-by-country basis and should not be compared directly across borders. It also claims to receive strong interest in cabin crew roles in Spain, which it says reflects the competitiveness of its employment offer.

More disruption ahead?

Although this recent strike has now concluded, USO has warned that further action could follow. The union has not ruled out launching an indefinite strike in August unless the airline comes forward with what it describes as a “fair and acceptable proposal” for its Spanish workforce.

Advice for passengers

Anyone planning to travel with easyJet from Palma de Mallorca or other Spanish airports in the coming months is advised to stay alert to updates. While no further strikes have yet been confirmed, the situation remains unresolved. Passengers should check flight status regularly, follow announcements from the airline, and consider allowing additional time at the airport in case of delays or schedule changes.