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What to Do When Air Europa Goes on Strike

Joanna Teljeur
Written By Joanna Teljeur
Last Updated: February 05, 2025

So, you’ve just learned that Air Europa employees have announced a strike, and the dates correspond with the dates you planned to fly. While the news can be gutting, there are some things you can do to change your travel plans or even cancel your booking. If that isn’t an option, it may help to know that, if your flight is disrupted in any way, you might be able to get repaid for the inconvenience.

Keep reading to find out how, or skip the article and see if your flight qualifies for repaymentJust enter your flight details below to get started!Free flight checker

Facts About Air Europa Strikes

Strikes with this airline seem to happen in clusters, and they tend to be initiated by pilot unions. Air Europa pilots went on strike in May and June of 2023, and prior to that they organized a work stoppage in 2011. 

The good news is that in most cases, strikes are announced by workers but agreements are reached before the walkout takes place. At the same time, airlines may cancel flights ahead of the actual strike date, avoiding it altogether. So what should you do when you hear that a strike has been announced?

Do You Have Rights as a Passenger?

Yes, you definitely have rights as a passenger when you fly with Air Europa. In fact the rules we’ll discuss here are set by Regulation EU261. This law protects you whenever you depart from an airport in the EU or the UK. If you happen to be traveling in another part of the world, you will be covered by the laws of that country.

You Hear About an Air Europa Strike. Not What?

  1. If you hear about a pending Air Europa strike, or any other strike affecting airports, air traffic control, or other airline industry sectors, you should make every effort to stay on top of new developments. The best way to do this is by downloading Air Europa’s app or signing up for email or SMS notices.
  2. Then, determine what kind of strike is taking place. Is it being initiated by Air Europa employees or a third party? This will make a big difference later on if you have flight disruptions and want to seek recompense from the carrier.
  3. Your next course of action is to check your booking. Read the terms and conditions of your ticket, and see if you are allowed to make changes to your flight. 
  4. You can usually alter your flight if you have a refundable ticket, but if you have a non-refundable ticket, you might have to speak with an Air Europa agent to see if they will let you make changes or cancel. 
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If none of these options work, then your best bet is to let Air Europa cancel your flight because then you can choose between a refund or a rebooking.

What Happens if Your Flight is Delayed or Canceled?

If you’re already traveling when Air Europa delays or cancels your flight, then it’s important to remember that the airline is required by law to assist you as you’ll see below.

  • For delays that last 2 hours or more, you must be given food and refreshment as well as 2 free calls, texts, or emails. 
  • For canceled flights or delays lasting 5 hours or more, you’re entitled to a choice between a refund or a rebooking on the next flight available. This must be provided at no extra charge.
  • For delays that last until the following day, Air Europa must provide a one-night hotel stay and transport.
  • For delays that make you 3 or more hours late, Air Europa may have to pay you as much as 600 EUR in compensation as long as there was nothing they could do to avoid the strike. 

Sometimes delays and cancellations occur because of a third party strike like air traffic control or ground staff at the airport.

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This is something Air Europa can’t control, so if your flight is impacted, then you will still get a refund or a rebooking, but you will not be eligible for repayment. 

If You’re Affected by an Air Europa Strike

Hopefully, you can avoid any flight disruptions, but it you do have issues that are caused by a strike, remember to take the following steps:

  1. Document everything, including conversations you have with the airline, photos and screenshots of delay and cancellation notices, and everything else pertaining to your experience.
  2. Save trip-related materials, specifically boarding passes, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses like meals, hotel, taxi, etc.
  3. If you’re still in the preparation stage, pack extra snacks and any essentials in your hand baggage in case you have long delays at the airport.
  4. Pay close attention to your actual arrival time. Official arrival is when the door of the aircraft opens at the gate. This is important because you’ll need to show you were at least 3 hours late to qualify for potential compensation.

Need Help?

It can be tricky sorting out all the details of strike-related flight disruptions, but AirAdvisor can help! Our legal team has been protecting passengers’ rights since 2017 in cases around the world! Plus, we have already helped over 400,000!

You can start your claim or check your eligibility for compensation today! Just enter your flight details below.Check your flight

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