Summer holiday warning for Mallorca as Palma airport workers plan strike action

READ MORE: European airport chaos as Brits are caught up in hours-long queues spilling into carparks as summer getaway is hit by EU border check changesWant to holiday like a travel expert? Get free access to this subscriber article about the best Greek islands to visit (and the worst ones to avoid) when you sign up HERE to the Escape newsletter See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 12:07 EDT, 24 July 2026 | Updated: 12:09 EDT, 24 July 2026 Travel disruption is expected as ground handling staff are set to strike across four different days at Palma de Mallorca Airport.Industrial action involving workers employed by Swissport, a major provider for ground services, will begin on Tuesday, July 28.The planned strikes will also take place on August 1, 4 and 8. 'Rather than full-day closures, the workers plan to walk out during specific peak morning and evening windows,' Palma airport explained on its website. On each strike day, walkouts will take place between 7am and 12pm and again from 7pm to 10pm.Swissport workers are essential for passenger services, such as running check-in desks, baggage handling and ramp services at Palma airport. There are four days of strikes scheduled to take place at Palma de Mallorca airportPotentially affected airlines include TUI, Condor, TAP Air Portugal, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Albastar and DAT.However, the airport insisted 'the primary fallout for passengers will likely be delays rather than outright cancellations.'Passengers are warned to expect longer queues than usual at bag check-in or when going through boarding gates.It may also take longer for bags to arrive on the luggage carousel in Mallorca. There are some airlines that use different ground handling staff, such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2, but holidaymakers travelling with these could still experience knock-on effects.'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,' the airport outlined. 'That said, any disruption for non-Swissport passengers is expected to be minimal.'The action, announced by the CCOO trade union, comes after Swissport 'failed to address the main demands raised by the workers' representatives,' according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. The union pushed for better working and economic conditions as well as a salary adjustment that meets certain conditions. The airport has insisted 'the primary fallout for passengers will likely be delays rather than outright cancellations'CCOO argued there was a lack of concrete commitments from the company during negotiations and the busy peak season requiring 'significant effort' from employees meant they would strike.Nevertheless, the union's 'doors remain open for further negotiations', so it is possible the strikes could be called off, according to the airport. A Swissport Spain spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'Swissport Spain has been engaged in constructive discussions with the trade unions to reach an agreement that supports both our employees and the long-term sustainability of the business.'The company has put forward a fair proposal that addresses the key issues raised during the negotiations, and we believe it provides a solid basis for reaching an agreement.'We remain fully committed to constructive, good-faith dialogue with union representatives and will continue working together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.'Aside from potential strike chaos, Palma airport has also been battling long queues due to the new Entry/Exit System.