The Iberia group - Iberia, Iberia Express and Air Nostrum - has been forced to cancel 444 of the flights scheduled during the four days, between January 5 and 8, due to the strike by its 'handling' staff (ground assistance services), which will affect a total of 45,641 travelers.
Of the total flights canceled during the days of protest, which coincide with the Epiphany holiday and the return of thousands of people to their places of work or residence, 270 correspond to Iberia; 64 to Iberia Express, and 110 to Air Nostrum.
The strike has been called by the CCOO and UGT unions, as well as by USO, after Iberia lost the 'handling' service at several of the country's main airports in the tender failed by the airport manager Aena in September, and negotiations to carry out 'self-handling' in them ended without agreement.
Iberia plans to operate 836 flights, 76% of the total 1,106 scheduled, and will try to ensure that practically all long-haul flights take off (including LEVEL flights) and the maximum possible number of short and medium-haul flights.
Thus, of the 270 cancellations, 51% will be national services and 49% European, while Iberia Express will operate 88% of its flights and Air Nostrum, 72%.
Changes and refunds to affected customers
Iberia stated this Friday in a statement that the group's companies will offer "the best possible alternatives to the 45,641 passengers affected by the cancellations so that they can make their trips."
In the coming days, as soon as possible, travelers will be informed of the possibilities of relocation on other flights.
Passengers who have reserved affected flights for January 5, 6, 7 or 8 can request from this Friday a change of date on their trip or a refund of the amount paid for the tickets.
Those customers with flights not directly affected by the strike may change the date of the trip or request a voucher.
Changes can be made through the Iberia website, the travel agencies where the purchase was made, or the company's Customer Service Center, which will reinforce its staff, although it is possible that it will have a longer waiting time than usual, the airline has warned.
Given the foreseeable problems that will occur at airports due to the strike, Iberia asks all passengers to check in in advance through the website and to go to the airports with more time than usual.
