Iberia cancels 400 flights during first strike wave

Iberia Airbus A320. Courtesy, Iberia

Spanish flag carrier Iberia has canceled 39% of its scheduled flights over the period Feb. 18-22, as it braces for the first wave of staff walkouts in protest against its restructuring.

Detailing its contingency plans, Iberia said it will cancel 415 of its 1,062 flights during the four-day stoppage. The canceled flights comprise 206 domestic sectors (53% of the normal schedule), 190 medium-haul services (39% of normal services) and 19 long-haul flights (10% of normal services).

“In the case of the long-haul flights, less than four flights a day canceled out of almost 40. There are no flights canceled to the US and only a few flights to Latin American destinations,” an Iberia spokesman told ATW.

However, the loss-making Spanish carrier will continue to operate the remainder of its 600 daily flights in line with a Spanish government decree dictating minimum service levels. “Under the decree, 90% of all scheduled long-haul flights will take place during the first strike period, along with 61% of all medium-haul international flights, and 46% of domestic flights,” Iberia said in a statement.

It has also relaxed its ticketing rules and made arrangements with its oneworld partners and “another 10 airlines” to carry passengers where needed.

Contingency plans for strikes on March 4-8 and March 18-22 will be released over the coming days.

atwonline.com