Strike Threat Continues in Spain, Ryanair Speaks Out

While Europe waits to see if Spain's air traffic control workers will go on strike, Irish airline Ryanair has called on the Spanish government to ensure that Spain’s airports remain open and operating.

"The Spanish economy, passengers and airlines cannot afford these airport closures at a time when traffic and tourism is suffering," the airline announced in a press release. Ryanair called on the Spanish Government to intervene in these strikes to ensure that Spain’s airports remain open for business—even by calling out the Spanish military to operate air traffic control, if necessary.
 
Ryanair pointed out that in other EU countries the military can ensure air transport continues to operate, even during strikes, by providing vital services such as Air Traffic Control.
 
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said: “Air transport and tourism is vital to the Spanish economy and the Government must ensure that Spanish airports remain open during strikes by calling on the military to provide air traffic control services...The Government must keep Spain’s vital airports and air traffic control services open even during periods of industrial disruption. This happens in many other European countries when strikes threaten air transport and it should happen in Spain as well so that innocent air passengers are not blackmailed or held to ransom by Spanish transport workers."