- Spain’s Ministry of Transport has fixed minimum services for the 11 November general strike
- Flights linking the mainland with the Balearics, Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla will operate at 52pc to 85pc
- Other routes face lower guarantees of 18pc to 65pc
- Around 4,600 movements and nearly 780,000 seats are planned
- More than 663,000 passengers could be affected
- A nationwide general strike has been called for 11 November 2026
- Unions including CCOO and UGT are mobilising over housing costs, wages and living standards
- Air travel, trains and public transport are expected to be affected
- The strike takes place during the campaign for the 29 November general election
- Travellers have been advised to check journeys carefully
Spain’s Ministry of Transport has fixed minimum services for the general strike on 11 November 2026. Flights linking the mainland with the Balearics, Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla will operate at between 52pc and 85pc of normal levels. Other routes face lower guarantees of between 18pc and 65pc depending on journey length. Around 4,600 movements and nearly 780,000 seats are planned with more than 663,000 passengers potentially affected.
Cercanías commuter trains will operate at 75pc capacity during peak rush hours and 50pc for the rest of the day. AVE and long-distance trains will maintain 73pc of usual services. Medium-distance regional trains will maintain an average of 65pc of scheduled services. Freight trains will operate at a minimum floor of 26pc.
The 24-hour strike called by major unions including CCOO and UGT is a cross-sector protest focused on housing affordability and working conditions ahead of the 29 November general election. Madrid-Barajas minimum targets are set around 78pc for flights to Spanish islands, 57pc for international flights and 32pc for short domestic routes. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline.Jointly backed by Spain’s two largest trade unions, CCOO and UGT, alongside smaller unions and housing campaign groups, the walkout is a protest against stagnant wages and the housing crisis. The strike takes place during the campaign for the snap general election on 29 November.
Mass disruptions are predicted in air travel due to the involvement of airport ground handling staff, cabin crews and air traffic controllers. Heavy disruption is expected across national rail networks, including Renfe commuter trains and high-speed AVE lines, with the train drivers’ union SEMAF calling for targeted rail-specific strikes from 10 to 12 November. Metros and local bus services across major hubs will operate minimum skeleton services.
Widespread protest marches are planned in Madrid and Barcelona, with major roads expected to be blocked. Closures or staffing shortages may affect schools, retail shops, cultural institutions and hospitality venues. England’s Foreign Office has updated travel advice for Spain. Travellers should monitor provider apps for real-time cancellation notices, minimise movement on 11 November and stay clear of large political marches.
