Barcelona Airport. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Travelers flying through Barcelona-El Prat Airport are being advised to prepare for possible disruptions after an indefinite strike by Groundforce Barcelona ground handling staff began on August 4, 2026.
According to the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya), the industrial action could affect essential airport services, including check-in, baggage handling, boarding procedures and aircraft ground operations during one of the busiest periods of the summer travel season.
Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport, monitor updates from their airline, and arrive earlier than usual to allow extra time for potential delays.
To reduce the impact of the strike, Spain's Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has ordered minimum service levels. During August, 80% of flights between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla must operate. 58% of flights on international routes and longer domestic routes must be maintained, while 35% of flights on domestic routes with alternative transport options under five hours are required to operate.
Airlines remain responsible for informing passengers of cancellations, delays or schedule changes and for arranging alternative travel where necessary.
If a flight is cancelled, passengers can choose between a full ticket refund or rebooking on an alternative flight. Airlines must also provide meals, refreshments, communication assistance and, if required, hotel accommodation and transportation until the replacement flight departs.
Passengers whose flights are delayed by two hours or more are entitled to care, including food and refreshments. If the delay exceeds five hours, travelers may also request a refund instead of continuing their journey.
The Catalan government also notes that passengers may be entitled to financial compensation if the disruption is caused by a strike involving staff subcontracted by the airline, in accordance with applicable passenger rights regulations.
Groundforce Barcelona provides ground handling services for numerous international carriers, meaning airlines including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Air Europa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways, United Airlines, Finnair, Etihad Airways, SAS, Air Arabia, LOT Polish Airlines, Air China, Saudia, Asiana Airlines, Air Transat, Luxair, El Al and others could experience operational disruptions.