Many are now counting down the days until their holiday arrives. For some it has been long awaited as travel restrictions have knocked trips back time and time again.
Now though, hotspots are gearing up for a huge summer season with most restrictions loosened or dropped altogether. While there are some lingering rules for Spain, it will no doubt be at the top of the list for many Brits in need of a holiday.
This, however, could be a bit of a problem with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updating their guidance to reflect the disruption which may be caused by airline strikes. Two of the most popular airlines, Ryanair and easyJet are likely to be impacted by the strike action taken by Spanish cabin crew members, reports the Mirror.
Travel expert Simon Calder has helped quell panic, pointing out that most flights will still run amid strike action, although many remain concerned about the state of their holiday. Calder said on ITV's This Morning: "I’ve been on strike flights on Ryanair in Spain and basically you’ve got the cabin crew who don’t want to be there."
While Spain's Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda has ordered a minimum service to be maintained for flights and airlines have pledged to keep their schedules running as smoothly as possible, some disruption is to be expected. It is likely that some flights will be cancelled or delayed.
Flight attendants in Spain have launched the industrial action due to pay and conditions, with strikes having already begun in some places. According to aviation news network FL360aero, nine easyJet flights were cancelled and more than 590 delayed on the first weekend of their strikes alone.
In recognition of the potential turmoil that awaits Brits in Spain, the Foreign Office travel advice has been updated. It now states: "Planned strike action in July may cause some disruption to EasyJet and Ryanair flights to and from Spain.
"If you think your travel plans may be affected, you should consult your airline for the latest travel updates."
Spanish workers at easyJet have already left their positions between July 1 and July 3 after negotiations with the company failed. Members of the Spain USO Union are taking action over pay and working conditions with over 450 cabin crew members called to strike.
More industrial action is planned for 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 and 31 July. While members of easyJet staff in the UK have not announced a strike, industrial action by their Spanish counterparts will have an impact on Brits travelling to certain key holiday destinations.
Strike action is likely to affect easyJet bases in Spain which are Barcelona, Malaga and Palma. Ryanair strikes, which are limited to Spain, kicked off on Thursday and caused the airline to cancel 10 flights in the country on Saturday.
The airline's cabin crew will strike on 12-15, 18-21 and 25-28 July at 10 airports across Spain, according to the USO and SICTPLA unions. They are in a dispute with the low-budget airline over pay and working conditions. The unions have called on the airline to resume negotiations.
“The unions and crew of Ryanair demand a change of attitude from the airline,” they said in a statement.
Ryanair flights will affect flights at ten bases across Spain - Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Sevilla, Palma, Valencia, Girona, Santiago de Compostela and Ibiza. No UK based strikes have yet been called by Ryanair staff.
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