You may have heard that Alicante-Elche airport is currently facing strike action this weekend 28 and 29 March 2026. This is as part of nationwide protests involving airport ground staff. Since Alicante Airport is recognised as one of Spain’s busiest tourist gateways, particularly for travellers from the UK, it is understandable that this has given cause for concern.
However, according to the latest information, there is no reason to panic if you are travelling this weekend. As this strike involves the ground crew, flights are expected to operate as normal. It has also been confirmed that the airport will remain fully open and operational.
Alicante Airport Strike: Advice to minimise impact
Of course, it pays to be prepared and minimise the inconvenience. Below are some recommendations to ensure that your travel experience goes as smoothly as possible:
Arrive earlier
It’s advisable to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your flight. Given the potential for increased delays, this extra time can help reduce stress and ensure you can get through security and check-in without unnecessary worry.
Opt for hand luggage
If possible, consider travelling with only hand luggage. This can significantly reduce your time at the check-in desk and eliminate the wait for checked baggage on arrival, which is likely to be slower due to the strike.
Anticipate slower processes during Alicante Airport strike
Be prepared for longer queues at check-in and bag drop, as well as delays at security checkpoints. Since the strike involves ground staff, such as baggage handlers and turnaround crews, you may also experience slower baggage handling upon landing.
Will strike action continue after 28 and 29 March 2026?
It has been stated that should no agreement be reached, the strikes may continue into the following week. This means there will be partial strikes scheduled for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Additionally, there could be further full strike days from 1 to 4 April. This, of course, depends on how the situation unfolds.
However, as mentioned earlier, should these strikes end up going ahead, there is still no reason why the airport would not remain fully operational. Naturally, if the strikes continue there is an increased likelihood of delays as the knock-on effect of slower paced operations is felt. While this is an inconvenience, the good news is that there is no reason to worry about your holiday being cancelled.
As with all strike action, things can change quite quickly, so it is advisable to check for any updates regarding potential impacts.
