Ground staff strikes at 12 major Spanish airports, announced by unions, threaten significant flight disruptions during the Easter holiday period starting March 27, coinciding with the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) on April 10.www.visahq.com While the strikes stem from disputes over workload increases without wage adjustments ahead of the EES—designed to track non-EU travelers including post-Brexit UK visitors—travelers are urged to expect long queues and delays. The hoteliers’ association CEHAT warns that prolonged waits could damage Spain’s tourism image during this peak inbound season.

Although the query mentions French airports, current reports focus solely on Spain, where airport authority AENA had scheduled staff redeployments and system tests for late March to prepare for EES implementation. Unions argue the extra demands, linked to enhanced passport checks for UK passengers under post-Brexit rules, justify the action, with rolling stoppages planned through Easter unless negotiations yield a deal by March 25. Corporate travelers face added risks, including cargo spoilage reminiscent of 2023 losses estimated at €48 million.

Experts recommend building buffer time into itineraries, traveling with carry-on luggage only, and monitoring airline apps for changes to mitigate impacts. As Easter marks Spain’s first major tourism wave of 2026, the combination of industrial action and EES preparations heightens pressure on the aviation sector.