Indefinite Air Traffic Control strike starts at five Canary Islands on 17th April
Travellers heading to or from the Canary Islands could face disruption from Friday 17th April, as air traffic controllers at towers run by SAERCO begin indefinite strike action across Spain. The action is expected to affect 14 airports nationwide, including several in the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands Airports Affected
Airports likely to see delays include those in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera, making this particularly relevant for international flights, including to and from the UK, and inter-island travel.
Air traffic controller strikes have the potential to be the most disruptive type of airline strike, since it affects all airlines in the airport. This means disruption could be widespread, with fewer flights operating and knock-on delays building throughout the day.
What It Means for Passengers
Passengers travelling during the strike period should be prepared for:
- Flight delays and possible cancellations
- Schedule changes at short notice
- Longer waiting times at airports
As air traffic control strikes are classed as “extraordinary circumstances”, airlines are not usually required to pay compensation for delays or cancellations, although they must still offer rebooking or refunds.
Travel Advice
If you’re flying during the strike, it’s recommended to:
- Check your flight status regularly
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
- Avoid tight connections
- Consider flexible tickets or alternative routes
Why Are Controllers Striking?
Union representatives say the dispute has been building for several years, due to staff shortages, heavy workloads and unpredictable schedules.
They claim controllers are regularly dealing with:
- Last-minute shift changes
- On-call duties becoming routine
- Cancelled annual leave
- Unclear rest periods
According to the unions, this has led to fatigue and stress, raising concerns about both working conditions and operational safety. Talks to resolve the dispute have so far failed, with several planned meetings reportedly postponed or cancelled.
With no end date set, disruption could continue until an agreement is reached, so travellers are advised to stay updated and plan ahead.
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