Iberia cancels 444 flights over holiday period due to baggage handling strike

Iberia has canceled 444 flights scheduled for January 5-8 due to the strike of baggage handling service workers. 

The cancelled flights include 270 from Iberia, 64 of Iberia Express, and 110 from Air Nostrum.

In total, there will be 45,641 passengers affected, according to the airline, which adds that it will offer alternative services in the coming days.

Of Iberia's 270 cancellations, 51% are internal flights in Spain and 49% are international. "Virtually all" long-haul flights will go ahead as planned, including Level flights.

Iberia has informed that affected passengers can request a change of date or a reimbursement of the ticket paid.

Passengers with flights on those dates who are not directly affected by the strike can change their travel date or request a voucher.

The changes or reimbursements can be made and requested through the Iberia website, travel agencies or the company's call center. 

Dispute

The unions CCOO, UGT and USO have called a strike to protest against Iberia's refusal to set up its own baggage handling services after Spain's airport authority AENA put the service up for tender.

The company considers that doing this service in-house is economically unviable and argues that with subrogation the workers will maintain all their labor rights.

Negotiations between the two parties, despite the mediation of the Spanish government, are stuck, and Iberia demands the strike be called off in order to continue talks.