Palma Airport Summer Strikes: Essential Advice Ahead of Swissport Strike Action
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
If you have a summer getaway to Mallorca lined up over the coming weeks, you will want to keep a close eye on the latest travel updates. Trade union leaders representing ground handling staff at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) have announced a series of partial strikes following a breakdown in talks over working conditions.
While news of industrial action can be stressful when you are looking forward to a break, there is no need to panic. Here is a straightforward breakdown of exactly what is happening, who might be affected, and how to prepare.
When are the strikes taking place?
The industrial action is scheduled to take place over four days in late July and early August. Rather than full-day closures, the workers plan to walk out during specific peak morning and evening windows.
| Strike Dates | Morning Walkout Times | Evening Walkout Times |
| Tuesday, 28th July | 07:00 – 12:00 | 19:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday, 1st August | 07:00 – 12:00 | 19:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday, 4th August | 07:00 – 12:00 | 19:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday, 8th August | 07:00 – 12:00 | 19:00 – 22:00 |
Note: Times listed above are in local Spanish time (CEST).
Can the industrial action still be avoided?
Yes, absolutely. The CCOO trade union has explicitly stated that its doors remain open for further negotiations. The strike notice has been issued as a leverage tool to push management into action regarding staffing levels, heat-safety measures, and pay parity. Because both parties are still willing to talk, there is a strong possibility that a last-minute compromise could be reached, calling off the disputes entirely before the first date on 28th July.
What exactly does Swissport do at Palma?
Swissport is a major player at Palma Airport, having launched its ground handling operations there in March 2024. When you fly, the vast majority of the “behind-the-scenes” mechanics of your journey are managed by ground handling agencies. At PMI, Swissport’s responsibilities include:
- Passenger Services: Managing check-in desks, ticketing, and boarding gate operations.
- Baggage Handling: Sorting, loading, and unloading luggage from the aircraft holds.
- Ramp Services: Guiding aircraft on the tarmac, marshalling, and baggage transport.
Which airlines are affected?
Swissport provides these essential services to a specific group of international carriers, including TUI, Condor, TAP Air Portugal, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Albastar and DAT.
How could this impact your journey?
If the walkouts go ahead, the primary fallout for passengers will likely be delays rather than outright cancellations. Because the strikes target check-in and baggage handling, you could experience longer queues at the terminal when dropping off bags or passing through boarding gates. Upon arrival in Mallorca, it might also take longer than usual for your suitcases to appear on the luggage carousel.
Could you be affected if you are flying with a different airline?
Some airlines at Palma de Mallorca use a different ground handling provider, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, or Jet2. However, large-scale airport strikes can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect. 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. That said, any disruption for non-Swissport passengers is expected to be minimal.
Minimum service provision
In Spain, the law dictates that essential public services, including air travel, must maintain a mandatory baseline operation during strikes to ensure the country doesn’t grind to a halt. These are known as minimum services (servicios mínimos).
Currently, Swissport management has proposed a 99% minimum service level (meaning almost all staff would still legally have to work), while unions are pushing for 50%. The Spanish government authorities will make the final decision. Whatever the final percentage is, it guarantees that the airport will remain open and functional, ensuring that flights can still land and take off safely.
What should you do next?
For now, the best approach is to stay informed without letting it ruin your holiday excitement:
- Check in online: Try to complete your check-in online before heading to the airport to minimise your time spent in queues.
- Monitor your airline’s app: Keep a close eye on text alerts or app notifications from your airline for real-time schedule updates.
- Arrive on time (but not too early): Stick to the standard arrival window recommended by your carrier (usually two to three hours before departure). Arriving half a day early can worsen airport congestion.
