Air Traffic Control Strike from April 17: What Canary Islands Travellers Need to Know

The unions USCA (Air Traffic Controllers' Union) and CCOO have called an indefinite strike of air traffic controllers at all SAERCO-managed towers from Friday, April 17, 2026. SAERCO is a private operator managing 14 airports across Spain — including five in the Canary Islands.

Which Airports Are Affected?

In the Canaries, the strike affects Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. The two largest airports in the archipelago — Gran Canaria (LPA) and Tenerife South (TFS) as well as Tenerife North (TFN) — are operated by ENAIRE and are not directly affected.

On mainland Spain, airports including Seville, Jerez, Vigo, A Coruña and Madrid-Cuatro Vientos are affected.

Note: Even though Gran Canaria and Tenerife are not directly targeted, knock-on effects are possible. If flights on smaller islands are cancelled, connecting services will be disrupted. Inter-island flights could be particularly affected.

Why Are Controllers Striking?

Controllers cite chronic staff shortages, overwork, irregular schedules and insufficient rest periods. According to USCA, working conditions are causing "fatigue, stress and permanent uncertainty" — factors that directly affect flight safety. Several planned negotiation rounds between unions and SAERCO have been postponed or cancelled.

What This Means for Travellers

An air traffic control strike is potentially the most disruptive type of aviation strike, because it affects all airlines at an airport — not just one carrier. Fewer controllers mean fewer coordinated flight movements, leading to delays, cancellations and cascading disruption.

Legal note: ATC strikes are classified as "extraordinary circumstances." Airlines are therefore generally not required to pay compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. They must, however, offer rebooking or refunds.

Minimum services: During aviation strikes in Spain, minimum service levels are mandated. This means some flights will operate — but with significant restrictions.

What You Should Do

If you are flying to or from Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro or La Gomera between April 17 and the end of the strike: Check your flight status with your airline and at aena.es. Do not book tight connections. Allow a buffer of at least 4–6 hours. Keep your airline's app ready for push notifications. If possible: consider a ferry as an alternative for inter-island connections.

If you are only flying to Gran Canaria or Tenerife: Direct impact is limited, but keep an eye on the situation — an indefinite strike can escalate.