Passengers at Madrid Barajas Airport are facing security delays of up to 65 minutes on Monday morning as a strike by Trablisa security staff enters its second day.
The disruption has caused missed flights and long queues, prompting calls for urgent resolution.
The Spanish Consumers Association said negotiations should continue until the strike is lifted to avoid further harm to travelers. On Sunday, some passengers waited more than 90 minutes at checkpoints, with several missing their flights due to the delays. The association thanked airlines for rescheduling flights and rebooking passengers but emphasized that carriers are also suffering from the ongoing disruption.
Airlines and Operators Respond
Airport operator Aena advised travelers to plan journeys with additional time, warning that delays vary by terminal and flight schedules. At 10 a.m. Monday, wait times peaked at around 50 minutes at Terminal 4, Aena said, adding that it is working with state security forces, airlines and handling agents to minimize the impact.
Trablisa, the private security company, has asked the Regional Institute of Mediation and Arbitration of Madrid (IRMA) to declare the strike illegal, citing multiple procedural defects and its overlap with a separate security strike that began on August 28. The company also stressed that Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas is critical infrastructure and announced it will pursue legal action for damages and losses caused by the strike.
Government Measures and Outlook
The Spanish government’s regional delegation in Madrid has imposed minimum service requirements of 100 percent, ensuring that all security posts remain staffed during the strike. Despite this, union action has slowed screening and created bottlenecks during peak travel hours.
The strike highlights ongoing labor disputes in Spain’s airport security sector, which has faced repeated stoppages in recent years. Consumer groups and travel operators are urging a swift settlement to prevent prolonged disruption at Spain’s busiest airport, which handles tens of millions of passengers each year.
As the strike continues, passengers are being urged to monitor updates from Aena and airlines, arrive well in advance of departure times and allow extra time for security checks. Further legal and labor developments are expected in the coming days as the dispute unfolds.
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