EASYJET pilot strikes will begin in Spain this week, threatening disruption for UK holidaymakers.
The strikes were announced by Spanish pilot union Sepla and will affect three airports in the country.
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The walkouts will be held across three different three-day periods, totalling nine days altogether.
The first of the strikes will take place from August 12-14, the second from August 19-21 and the third and final strike will be from August 27-29.
All three will are expected to disrupt flights at easyJet’s bases at Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.
The industrial action is not the first for the airline this summer, with Sepla demanding that easyJet reestablish pilots’ working conditions from before the COVID-19 pandemic.
EasyJet said they were planning on running a full schedule despite the strikes, but admitted that disruption was expected.
A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “EasyJet has been formally advised of strike action by its Spain-based pilots union Sepla.
“The strike is called on 12-14, 19-21 and 27-29 August at its bases in Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma.
“We are disappointed with this action at this critical time for the industry, especially as we are making considerable progress in the negotiations towards a new CLA, and hope that Sepla re-engages with easyJet.
“We would like to continue the constructive dialogue with them.
“Should the industrial action go ahead we expect some disruption to our flying programme to and from Malaga, Palma and Barcelona during the strike period but at this stage, easyJet plans to operate its full schedule and we would like to reassure customers that we will do everything possible to minimise any disruption.”
Strikes last month prompted the government to update their travel advice for Brits thinking about going to Spain.
The Foreign Office advice currently states: “Possible strike action may cause some disruption to flights to and from Spain.
“You should consult your airline for updates prior to travel.”
EasyJet aren’t the only airline to have had to deal with strikes in Spain this summer.
Ryanair flight attendants have started five more months of strike action from today (Monday, August 8).
The budget airline’s walkouts will start from August 8, and run every week until January 7.
Ten Spanish airports will be affected, including Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Sevilla, Palma, Valencia, Girona, Santiago de Compostela and Ibiza.
British Airways pilots are also threatening to strike this summer, putting almost all their flights at risk.
Lufthansa and Vueling could both also be striking this year, possibly adding further travel disruption.
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