Published on : 11 Nov 2026
Spain’s first general strike in 14 years began at midnight, and so far the impact on air travel is far smaller than the minimum-service rules allowed: airlines had cancelled 202 of the 4,529 flights scheduled across Spain’s airport network by 8:30am, about 4.4%, as carriers rescheduled flights and moved passengers onto earlier ones.
The 24-hour strike was called by the unions CCOO and UGT, joined by CGT, CNT and the Tenants’ Union, over housing costs and wages — including a demand for the minimum wage to rise at least 7% in 2027 — and falls 18 days before Spain’s November 29 general election. Airports remain open, and the transport ministry’s minimum-service rules allowed far deeper cuts than the early figures show. We are updating this article through the day.
Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — first update 08:46 Madrid time Strike: 24 hours from 00:00 to 23:59 — Spain’s first general strike backed by both CCOO and UGT since November 14, 2012 Flights (Aena, 08:30): 202 operations cancelled out of 4,529 scheduled, about 4.4% Iberia group: A consumer-rights guide citing Iberia reports 444 cancelled flights (270 Iberia, 64 Iberia Express, 110 Air Nostrum) affecting 45,641 passengers; treat it as a reported figure until Iberia confirms Free changes: Iberia, Iberia Express and Air Nostrum let passengers move flights from November 11 to any date up to November 26, or take a refund, even if the flight isn’t cancelled Renfe (minimum services): Cercanías 75% at peak and 50% otherwise; Media Distancia 65%; AVE and long-distance 73% Madrid Metro: 79% of trains running at 7:00am, above the minimum of 80% at peak times Other airlines: Vueling, Air Europa and Ryanair had posted no strike notices as of Tuesday morning Tomorrow: Renfe drivers hold partial stoppages on Thursday, November 12 Rail strike on Nov 17: Reported as planned for Adif and Renfe staff, but not formally called as of last check
| Measure | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operations cancelled by 08:30 (Aena) | 202 of 4,529 (4.4%) | Aena says airlines rescheduled flights and moved passengers to earlier ones |
| Iberia group cancellations (reported) | 444 flights, 45,641 passengers | From a consumer-rights guide citing Iberia; not yet confirmed by an airport or airline notice |
| Minimum service, Madrid-Barajas | Islands, Ceuta and Melilla 78%; international 57%; domestic 32% | What airlines must operate, not what they are cancelling |
| Minimum service, Barcelona-El Prat | Islands 79%; international 56%; domestic 34% | Same |
| Island connections | Airlines must relocate 90% of passengers between the mainland and the archipelagos | Plus 65% on routes with no alternative under five hours |
A “minimum service” is the least the government requires, so the percentages above show how deep cuts could have gone. Early data suggests airlines have cut far less.
| Service | Status Early Today | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Renfe Cercanías | Minimum 75% at peak, 50% rest of day | Affects airport links in Madrid and Málaga |
| Renfe Media Distancia | Minimum 65% | Regional trains |
| Renfe AVE and long distance | Minimum 73% | Check your train in Renfe’s app |
| Madrid Metro | 79% of trains running at 7:00 | Above the 80% peak minimum set for the strike; trains every 5–6 minutes |
| Madrid regional transport | A Madrid court suspended the regional government’s minimum services for Justice, Education and Transport, except Metro de Madrid, replacing them with the 2012 strike levels | Expect confusion over bus and other services |
| Barcelona | Minimum services set at 25% of normal at peak (06:30–09:30 and 16:30–21:00) for public transport, with the airport bus at 50% | Announced earlier; check TMB and Rodalies |
| Seville | Reports of normal service in the first hours | Pickets at the Mercasevilla wholesale market |
Early on Wednesday, pickets gathered at Mercabarna and the Seat plant in Martorell in Catalonia and outside factories in Zaragoza, and union leaders held a night rally at Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Unions say they expect strong participation, while some Spanish commentators had warned the strike might not be fully followed. Protests are expected in major cities through the day, which could slow taxis and airport transfers.
| Situation | What Applies | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Flying with Iberia, Iberia Express or Air Nostrum on Nov 11 | Free change to fly up to Nov 26, or a refund as a voucher or to the original payment — even if the flight isn’t cancelled | Use the airline’s website or app |
| Flying to or from Madrid between Nov 10 and 12 | Iberia says you can change to fly up to Nov 16 or use another airport within 300 km because of access difficulties | Check Iberia’s notice |
| Flying Vueling, Air Europa or Ryanair | None had posted a strike notice as of Tuesday; check each airline’s app today | Contact the airline if your flight is cancelled |
| Flight cancelled | A refund or re-routing, plus care; compensation is usually not due for strikes outside the airline’s control | Keep boarding passes and receipts |
| Train cancelled | Refund or exchange under each operator’s conditions | Use Renfe’s app |
| Travel insurance | Policies bought after the strike was announced on October 7 may exclude it | Read the strike clause |
General guidance, not legal advice.
We will update this article with final cancellation totals, any airline notices and the unions’ own participation figures later today. Thursday brings further Renfe stoppages, and Spain votes on November 29.
Posted By : Vinay
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