Published on Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Passengers flying out of Barcelona have been told to arrive at the airport at least three hours early as security staff take unofficial action that has caused chaos over the past week.
Since July 24, 1,000 passengers have missed their flights because staff at El Prat airport have been carrying out a 'slow down' and taking 10 minutes to search each passenger, according to ACETA, the association of Spanish air transport companies.
The situation is likely to get worse from Friday, when security staff increase their action to include hour-long strikes.
The staff are protesting about working conditions, saying they have to put in up to 16 hours a day and are under-staffed.
Talks between staff and the private firm that employs them, Eulen Seguridad, broke down yesterday and the staff have now voted for official strike action, starting on Friday.
Travellers have been warned to expect queues 'hundreds of metres long' and have been told the action could impact other airports, including Madrid, Palma, Lisbon, Lyons, Paris Orly and Milan.
One British traveller who was caught up in the long queues, tweeted: "Happy to be alive after chaos at security in Barcelona Airport, phew."
A spokeswoman for El Prat operator AENA said the action started a week ago. She said people travelling out of Barcelona should arrive at the airport at least three hours early.
EasyJet urges customers to return to UK as it axes flights
Ryanair warns it may axe all UK flights from the end of January
Best and worst airlines for Covid response named and shamed
Sandals' founder and Chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart has died
Pre-departure Covid tests to be mandatory in England from Friday
Grant Shapps' 'flippant' remark angers industry
Travel agency brands Saga 'disgusting' in social media backlash
Current Asia/Pacific Special Edition
Should the UK have a Cabinet Minister for Tourism ? UKInbound talk to TravelMole
Travelzoo talk about 2021 prospects - what's hot and what's not
The Rocky Mountaineer comes to Colorado
Destination Marketing Campaigns explained by Brightons 'Never Normal' Team
Sri Lanka 2021 - its the place to be
You can book now your advertisement for via our online booking service or find out more.
Post your comment
Your Comments
NOTE: Comments are subject to admin approval before being posted.