Ryanair has said strike threats by baggage handlers in Spain have been averted – but Spanish airline Vueling still faces the prospect of three months of disruption after its cabin crew announced long-term industrial action.

Baggage handlers working for Ryanair had planned regular walkouts from today and into the New Year, at 22 airport locations on the Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands and the Balearics.

Ryanair told Travel Gossip on Friday afternoon: “These strike threats related to our ground handling partner, Azul Handling – not Ryanair – and have since been called off.”

However, cabin crew for Vueling have called for work stoppages every Friday, Sunday and Monday between November and the end of January, as well as action on 1, 6 and 8 November, 24 and 31 December and 5 January 2023.

The union, Stavla, has threatened to extend the strike indefinitely if negotiations don’t result in agreement.

In a statement send to Travel Gossip, Vueling said: “We regret to confirm that the Stavla union has decided to call a flight attendant strike across Spain on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays from 01 November 2022. 

“Maintaining respect for our workers’ rights, we believe that this is not the time to be divided but to join efforts to build the future of Vueling together.”

The airline said it has been negotiating with the union since April, and added: “We are convinced that the way to build Vueling must be through understanding and not conflict.

“The minimum services have not yet been approved but as soon as these are confirmed via Civil Aviation, we will work to ensure that the impact on our operations and our clients is as minimal as possible.

“This includes notification on any potential flight schedule changes as soon as possible to minimise any inconveniences on the day of travel.”