November 9, 2026 — Update: Minimum services are now in place for Wednesday’s 24-hour general strike in Spain, the country’s first in 14 years. Airports will stay open but only part of the flight schedule is protected, and trains, metros and buses will run reduced timetables. A further 24-hour rail strike covering Adif, Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo is also set for Tuesday, Nov. 17.
What changed since our last story: on Nov. 8 we reported that minimum services for the Nov. 11 general strike had not been set. Minimum-service figures for airports, Renfe and city transport for Nov. 11 were reported on Nov. 8–9. The hours of Renfe’s Nov. 12 partial stoppages have also been published.
The Nov. 11 general strike
- Who: called by Spain’s two largest unions, CCOO and UGT, and backed by CGT, CIG, ELA, LAB and tenants’ unions. The grievances are housing costs, wages and working conditions.
- When: 24 hours, midnight to midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Workplaces that run shifts begin with the first shift, which can start on Tuesday night.
- What: all sectors, including aviation, public transport and hospitality. Travel Market Report says ground handlers, baggage staff and security staff are joining, so delays and some cancellations are expected even at airports that stay open.
Reported minimum services on Nov. 11
| Service | Minimum service |
|---|---|
| Flights: Canary Islands, Balearics, Ceuta, Melilla | 56–80% (Palma 75%) |
| Flights: international | 39–64% |
| Flights: Madrid-Barajas and Málaga | 57% |
| Flights: short domestic routes (e.g. Madrid–Seville) | About 32% |
| Renfe AVE and long-distance | 73% |
| Renfe Media Distancia (regional) | About 65% (average) |
| Renfe Cercanías, peak (06:00–09:00, 13:30–15:30, 18:30–20:30) | 75% |
| Renfe Cercanías, off-peak | At least one train an hour each way, up to 50% |
| Ouigo | 18 of 26 scheduled trains planned |
| Metro de Madrid | 80% at peaks, 50% otherwise |
| Madrid EMT buses | 40–50% all day |
| Madrid interurban buses and Metro Ligero | 50% at peaks, 45% otherwise |
| Barcelona metro, buses, trams, FGC and Rodalies | 25% of normal service, 06:30–09:30 and 16:30–21:00 only |
Figures above are as reported by Euro Weekly News on Nov. 9. The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported slightly different flight figures: 32% for short domestic flights from Madrid, 57% for international flights and 78% for island routes. We could not find the Transport Ministry’s own notice, so treat all percentages as approximate.
Renfe drivers’ strikes either side
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: 24-hour strike by Renfe train drivers (SEMAF union). Minimum services as reported on Nov. 8: 72% on AVE and long-distance.
- Thursday, Nov. 12: three partial stoppages, 06:20–09:20, 14:20–17:20 and 21:20–23:20.
Also ahead: Nov. 17 rail strike
A 24-hour rail strike is called for Tuesday, Nov. 17. It covers infrastructure manager Adif and train operators Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo, along with several freight companies. CCOO and SEMAF are leading it, and the Adif and Renfe works councils are holding a joint strike the same day. A separate union, SCF, has called a two-day strike on Nov. 17 and 19. The unions are demanding stronger safety measures after the Oct. 28 train crash at Urda (Toledo), which killed 69 people. Minimum services for Nov. 17: TBA.
Border checks
The Majorca Daily Bulletin notes that the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System is now fully active at Spain’s borders and that earlier exemptions for busy periods have expired. Expect longer waits at passport control.
What it means for airline travelers
- Nov. 10–12 is three straight days of disruption, and Nov. 11 is the worst. Only about a third of short domestic flights are protected, so standby seats on any flight that does operate will be scarce. Consider flying in a day early or waiting until Nov. 13.
- Getting to and from the airport will be the hardest part. In Barcelona, public transport runs only in two windows on Nov. 11. Allow extra time and plan a taxi or ride-share, expecting high demand.
- Delays are possible even on flights that operate, because handlers and security staff are joining. Arrive early.
- Waivers: American Airlines is allowing passengers booked through Madrid or Barcelona on Nov. 11 (ticketed by Nov. 6) to change to Nov. 8–18 travel with no change fee. Delta, United and Iberia have similar options. Check each airline for its terms.
- Connecting by train? Check Renfe, Iryo or Ouigo before you travel on Nov. 10, 11, 12 and 17, and buy flexible tickets.
- Stay away from demonstrations in city centers on Nov. 11.
- Strikes that have already been announced are often not covered by travel insurance bought after the announcement. Check your policy.
Sources
- Euro Weekly News: Spain’s general strike on Wednesday: What will run, what may close and how to prepare (Nov. 9, 2026)
- Majorca Daily Bulletin: Britons travelling to Spain face chaotic week: general strike and border controls (Nov. 9, 2026)
- Travel Market Report: Spain General Strike Set to Impact Flights from Madrid and Barcelona on Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2026)
- InSpain News: Spain train strikes: Dates, disruption and passenger advice (Nov. 7, 2026)
- Railin: Spanish rail strike on 17 November spreads to all operators (Nov. 6, 2026)
- Spain’s Ministry of Transport: press room. No minimum-services notice for Nov. 11 was listed when we checked.
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