The strike called in Iberia due to the handling dispute on January 5, 6, 7 and 8 has forced the airline to cancel 444 flights scheduled for those days, with a total of 45,641 travelers affected. These are 270 Iberia flights, 64 Iberia Express and 110 Air Nostrum. The company has announced that it will offer relocation alternatives to these passengers in the coming days.
The unions UGT, CC.OO. and USO have called for a strike at the airline to protest the result of Aena's ground handling contest, which left Iberia without a license in this service at eight of the busiest airports in Spain (only Barajas remains among the large ones) . The workers demand that the IAG airline choose to offer autohandling to its group companies to keep the maximum number of workers under its umbrella. It is estimated that some 4,000 Iberia handling employees will have to be subrogated to other successful companies starting next year. The law requires maintaining the working conditions of these professionals, although the staff fears a deterioration if they are subrogated. At the moment, Iberia rejects autohandling, considering it unprofitable.
Regarding Iberia flights, the company plans to operate 836 flights on those days, 76% of the total 1,106 scheduled. Among the flights it plans to operate are practically all long-haul flights (including Level's). Of the 270 Iberia flight cancellations, 51% will be domestic flights and 49% will be European flights.
Iberia Express will operate 88% of its flights and Air Nostrum 72%. In any case, passengers who have booked flights affected during the strike can now request a change of date in their trip or a refund of the amount paid for the tickets. Customers with flights not directly affected by the strike may change the date of travel or request a voucher. Changes can be made through the Iberia website, the travel agencies where the purchase was made or the company's Customer Service Center, which will reinforce its staff, although you may have more waiting time usual. The telephone number to call from Spain is 900 111 500. The numbers to be attended from outside Spain can be consulted on the Iberia website.
Given the foreseeable problems that are going to occur at the airports due to the strike, Iberia has asked all passengers to check-in in advance through the website and to arrive at the airports more time than usual. .
