Up to two-hour queues hit Spanish airports amid walkouts and new border controls.

Europe’s airports face turbulence this summer

According to Tourism.d.ua — Туризм: Travelers heading to Spain in the coming days should brace for severe disruptions, as staff walkouts and lengthy immigration checks cause major bottlenecks. Palma de Mallorca Airport, located on the island of Majorca, has multiple labor stoppages scheduled through the end of summer 2026. The first protests are set to run from July 27 to July 30, 2026, which could significantly affect passenger flow.

Ground-handling firm Swissport has also announced walkouts on July 28, and on August 1, 4, and 8, 2026. These stoppages will take place from 7:00 to 12:00 and again from 19:00 to 22:00, adding extra hassle for anyone traveling during those windows.

Long waits at passport control

Adding to the chaos, airports across Spain are experiencing delays at immigration due to the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which went live in April 2026. Passengers at Tenerife South Airport and César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport are already dealing with slow document processing. At hubs like Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Málaga, and Alicante, people are stuck in lines lasting up to two hours.

The situation at Spanish airports is likely to remain extremely tense in the coming days, and tourists should prepare for delays and potential inconvenience during their journeys.

This turmoil in Spain’s airports highlights broader challenges facing European aviation infrastructure during the peak summer season. Labor disputes and new technology rollouts can disrupt travel flows and hurt the reputation of European hubs. Travelers are advised to double-check flight status in advance and stay flexible with their plans.