Spain Strike Cancels 332 Flights as Rail Walkout Is Delayed

Spain's 24-hour general strike over housing costs and pay on 11 November left hundreds of flights cancelled and disrupted rail journeys, but a separate train drivers' stoppage planned for Thursday, 12 November, has been postponed. By 18:30 on Wednesday, Aena had recorded 332 flight cancellations across Spanish airports, according to Europa Press. The figures cover 7.3% of scheduled operations, with some travellers already moved to alternative services.

What to Check Before Travelling on 12 November

• Flights: Check the airline's latest confirmed status before leaving home.
• Madrid access: Check road and public transport conditions before travelling.
• Iberia: Eligible 10–12 November Madrid passengers can move flights up to 16 November.
• Alternative airport: Iberia permits a switch within 300 km; transfers cost extra.
• Rail: Check Renfe's app for any remaining timetable changes.
• Receipts: Save receipts for meals, accommodation or alternative transport if your flight is cancelled.

Airlines had adjusted schedules before Wednesday's walkout and rebooked customers, so the 332 cancellations reported by Aena at 18:30 are not necessarily the final number. Barcelona-El Prat registered 85 cancellations among 734 planned flights during the morning of 11 November. Bad weather caused separate disruption, including three Iberia flights to Portugal. Those weather-related cancellations should not be attributed to strike action.

Rail services were also hit on Wednesday. Renfe reported cancellation of 24% of its AVE and long-distance trains and about 10% of Cercanías and other public services. It offered free changes and cancellations for tickets affected on 11 November. Meanwhile, drivers' union SEMAF moved its separate 12 November stoppage to 23 November after a government rail-safety decree. A further strike remains planned for 17 November.

If your flight remains scheduled, Iberia's Madrid access waiver offers a voucher rather than a cash refund. Tickets must have been purchased by 10 November for Group Iberia services between 10 and 12 November. Eligible customers can move their flight to any available date up to 16 November or switch airports within 300 kilometres, but must pay their own transfer. Cancelled flights have separate refund rules.