Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport started 2026 with new disruption after staff at South Europe Ground Services (SEGS), the IAG subsidiary that provides ramp and passenger services to Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus and Level, walked out again on 2 January. The strike — which ran from 08:00-12:00 and 18:00-22:00 and will be repeated on 7 January — is part of an escalating labour dispute over payroll errors, unpaid bonuses and roster equity for part-time workers.
Although Aena managed to keep minimum service levels running, dozens of departures were delayed, particularly short-haul Iberia and Iberia Express flights that rely on SEGS for ramp equipment and crew buses. Long-haul services to New York, São Paulo and Tel Aviv left with average delays of 45-60 minutes, according to airport movement logs. Transfer passengers reported missed connections despite a seasonal lull in traffic.
For travellers who suddenly need to reroute or extend their stay, it’s worth double-checking that all visa and travel documents remain in order. VisaHQ can streamline this process by allowing passengers and corporate travel teams to confirm requirements and submit visa applications for Spain or onward destinations entirely online (https://www.visahq.com/spain/). The service includes real-time status updates and dedicated support, helping minimise administrative headaches while the industrial action plays out.
![Ground-handling strike causes fresh delays at Madrid-Barajas as Iberia activates rebooking window]()
Iberia reacted by publishing a flexibility policy that allows customers booked on flights to or from Madrid between 2 and 7 January to change dates free of charge until 15 January or request a voucher. Travellers who bought tickets through agencies must rebook via their agent, while direct customers can use Iberia Conecta to update contact details and receive SMS alerts.
For corporate mobility managers the timing is awkward: 8–10 January marks the start of the first full working week of the year for many multinationals operating in Spain. HR teams have been urged to review duty-of-care procedures for relocating staff who transit through Madrid and to consider routing critical movements via Barcelona-El Prat or Málaga if the 7 January stoppage proceeds.
Looking ahead, unions USO and CGT say a full 24-hour walk-out cannot be ruled out if mediation fails. Companies with rotational assignees or tight project timelines in Spain should therefore budget extra lay-over time, re-check insurance wording for strike-related costs and brief travelling staff on alternative rail options such as the Madrid–Barcelona AVE.
Although Aena managed to keep minimum service levels running, dozens of departures were delayed, particularly short-haul Iberia and Iberia Express flights that rely on SEGS for ramp equipment and crew buses. Long-haul services to New York, São Paulo and Tel Aviv left with average delays of 45-60 minutes, according to airport movement logs. Transfer passengers reported missed connections despite a seasonal lull in traffic.
For travellers who suddenly need to reroute or extend their stay, it’s worth double-checking that all visa and travel documents remain in order. VisaHQ can streamline this process by allowing passengers and corporate travel teams to confirm requirements and submit visa applications for Spain or onward destinations entirely online (https://www.visahq.com/spain/). The service includes real-time status updates and dedicated support, helping minimise administrative headaches while the industrial action plays out.
Iberia reacted by publishing a flexibility policy that allows customers booked on flights to or from Madrid between 2 and 7 January to change dates free of charge until 15 January or request a voucher. Travellers who bought tickets through agencies must rebook via their agent, while direct customers can use Iberia Conecta to update contact details and receive SMS alerts.
For corporate mobility managers the timing is awkward: 8–10 January marks the start of the first full working week of the year for many multinationals operating in Spain. HR teams have been urged to review duty-of-care procedures for relocating staff who transit through Madrid and to consider routing critical movements via Barcelona-El Prat or Málaga if the 7 January stoppage proceeds.
Looking ahead, unions USO and CGT say a full 24-hour walk-out cannot be ruled out if mediation fails. Companies with rotational assignees or tight project timelines in Spain should therefore budget extra lay-over time, re-check insurance wording for strike-related costs and brief travelling staff on alternative rail options such as the Madrid–Barcelona AVE.
