Industrial action by security control staff at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is set to cause significant disruption to operations after it began last weekend.

Spanish airport operator Aena posted on X last Sunday (14.09.25): "Due to the strike action called by the security staff of the company Trablisa at AS Madrid-Barajas, time taken to pass through security may be increased.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Travellers have reported queues of up to 90 minutes on social media, with some even missing their flights after being caught in the "chaos" at Terminal 4.

Around 800 employees from the Spanish private security company Trablisa are striking over inadequate pay and working conditions.

Alejandro Correrdera Arriaga, a committee spokesperson for the Madrid strike, says that the workloads of Barajas staff "far exceed" those of employees at other airports.

Trablisa has requested that the Madrid Regional Institute of Mediation and Arbitration declare the strike "illegal and abusive", as they argue that only 21 of the more than 850 security staff are actually participating at the airport.

The industrial action is expected to continue until an agreement is reached between Trablisa and the unions.

Airlines have urged passengers to arrive early if flying from Madrid-Barajas to avoid delays.

Spain's flag carrier Iberia posted on X: "Due to a security staff strike at Madrid Airport (unrelated to Iberia), airport access is experiencing delays. We recommend arriving earlier than usual and taking advantage of our free carry-on check-in service to help you get through security faster."