What to Do When Air Europa Goes on Strike

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 23, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

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

The last time Air Europa pilots’ (SEPLA union) went on strike was in the Spring of 2023, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights (Reuters, 2023-05-22).

The good news is that strikes are usually announced by workers ahead of time, giving Air Europa management the chance to reach agreements before a walkout takes place. Still, your Air Europa flight may be cancelled and qualify for flight cancellation compensation ahead of the actual strike date, to avoid it altogether.

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 travelling in another part of the world, you will be covered by the laws of that country.

How to Prepare for an Air Europa Strike

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 and understand your passenger rights in case of airline strikes. 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. 

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 Cancelled?

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

• For delays that last 2 hours or more, you must be given food and refreshments as well as 2 free calls, texts, or emails. 
• For cancelled 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. And in many cases cancelled Air Europa flights can also trigger additional compensation.
• 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. So, check your eligibility for compensation due to airline strike delays.

Sometimes delays and cancellations occur because of a third party strike like air traffic control or ground staff at the airport. In these situations, your compensation rights for airline and airport strikes can be different.

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. 

Steps to Take if You’re Affected by a Strike

Hopefully, you can avoid any flight disruptions, but it you do have and strike-related flight disruptions, 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. because they can help you claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled Air Europa flight.
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 620,000!

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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Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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