Malaga Airport handled more than 56% of flights into Andalucia over the Christmas period. There are 6,537 flights due in Andalucia from December 23rd-January 9th, of which 3,550 are heading in and out of Malaga Airport.
Malaga is the third favourite destination in Spain with 158 routes, beaten only by Barcelona and Madrid Barajas with 387 and 325 respectively.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Spanish Airports Authority and Air Traffic Controllers to agree wage deal by end of next month
The Spanish Airports Authority (AENA) have agreed to close a deal on wages and conditions with the Air Traffic Controllers union by January 31st 2011. If there is no agreement in place by then the matter will go to arbitration, and both sides have given an undertaking to accept the result.
The two sides will name an arbiter on January 12th.
The two sides will name an arbiter on January 12th.
Tough new Spanish motoring laws introduced today
A new Spanish Penal Code comes into effect today with motorists at the centre of much of the new legislation.
The Guardia Civil will now impound your car if radar catches you speeding over 200 kms/hour on a motorway, or 120 kms/hour in town, or if you are found to be driving with more than 1.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. The vehicle will be impounded and lost forever.
Drivers who drive up the wrong motorway carriageway, modify any road signs like covering up a radar, drive with no licence and refuse to undergo an alcohol or drugs test will also lose their cars forever.
Dangerous drivers now face being sent to prison for breaking the local speed limit by more than 60 kms/hr in town or by more than 80kms/hr out of town.
The Guardia Civil will now impound your car if radar catches you speeding over 200 kms/hour on a motorway, or 120 kms/hour in town, or if you are found to be driving with more than 1.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. The vehicle will be impounded and lost forever.
Drivers who drive up the wrong motorway carriageway, modify any road signs like covering up a radar, drive with no licence and refuse to undergo an alcohol or drugs test will also lose their cars forever.
Dangerous drivers now face being sent to prison for breaking the local speed limit by more than 60 kms/hr in town or by more than 80kms/hr out of town.
First two sections of new Malaga ring road to open on December 28th
Sections 3 and 4 of the Malaga second ring road will be opened on December 28th.
Construction of the road has been split into four sections, and these two stretches will be the first to open. They run for 12.4 kilometres from the A-7 motorway junction at La Virreina, via Puerto de la Torre as far as the junction with the A-357 Guadalhorce motorway.
The new 12.4 km stretch of road it will cut 12 minutes off the time which is currently needed to drive from La Virreina to the A-357 junction, and as much as 60 minutes during rush hour.
Construction of the road has been split into four sections, and these two stretches will be the first to open. They run for 12.4 kilometres from the A-7 motorway junction at La Virreina, via Puerto de la Torre as far as the junction with the A-357 Guadalhorce motorway.
The new 12.4 km stretch of road it will cut 12 minutes off the time which is currently needed to drive from La Virreina to the A-357 junction, and as much as 60 minutes during rush hour.
New Thyssen Museum to open in Malaga
The new Thyssen Museum will open its doors to the public in March 2011 with a retrospective on 20th century art. There is still no exact date for the opening, but the restored Villalón Palace in Malaga city centre is opening in the early spring following a five year restoration programme.
There will be a permanent collection of 230 19th century works from the private collection of the Baroness, and during the first year there will be two additional temporary exhibitions. When the museum opens you can view “De Tàpies a Picasso” based on 20th century vanguard Spanish painters with works by Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies.
The second show will be in the Autumn looking at the work of the Valencia painter, Joaquín Sorolla and also Claude Monet’s 1925 work ‘The House among the Roses”.
A Van Gogh exhibition is being organised for 2012 based around his work “Water Mill at Gennep”.
Budget for the first year of operation for the museum is set at €3.6M, although the income is expected to be half that amount with the difference made up by Málaga City Hall and the sponsors of the museum.
There will be a permanent collection of 230 19th century works from the private collection of the Baroness, and during the first year there will be two additional temporary exhibitions. When the museum opens you can view “De Tàpies a Picasso” based on 20th century vanguard Spanish painters with works by Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies.
The second show will be in the Autumn looking at the work of the Valencia painter, Joaquín Sorolla and also Claude Monet’s 1925 work ‘The House among the Roses”.
A Van Gogh exhibition is being organised for 2012 based around his work “Water Mill at Gennep”.
Budget for the first year of operation for the museum is set at €3.6M, although the income is expected to be half that amount with the difference made up by Málaga City Hall and the sponsors of the museum.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
New motorway speed traps in Spain
The Spanish traffic authority has installed a new type of speed trap where two separate radars clock a driver and then calculate their average speed over a section of the road. The new speed traps will be signed in the same way as the conventional speed traps and are unaffected by radar inhibitors.
The 3.5km long AP-6 Guadarrama tunnel direction Segovia, between Madrid and Segovia, and the 1km A7 tunnel at Torrox, direction Nerja have been chosen to test the scheme. Four more sections of road are planned to be added to the system in 2011.
Although the system is now clocking drivers at both locations, no speeding tickets or point reductions will be issued until February 1st, 2011. Up until that date drivers will just receive a notification. After that date drivers calculated to have been travelling at an average of more than 100 kms/hour face a fine.
The Highway Code has been changed to allow ‘section of road’ to be considered for excess speed.
The 3.5km long AP-6 Guadarrama tunnel direction Segovia, between Madrid and Segovia, and the 1km A7 tunnel at Torrox, direction Nerja have been chosen to test the scheme. Four more sections of road are planned to be added to the system in 2011.
Although the system is now clocking drivers at both locations, no speeding tickets or point reductions will be issued until February 1st, 2011. Up until that date drivers will just receive a notification. After that date drivers calculated to have been travelling at an average of more than 100 kms/hour face a fine.
The Highway Code has been changed to allow ‘section of road’ to be considered for excess speed.
Flights into Malaga Airport Wednesday 22nd December
The hiatus concerning some UK and European Airports seems to have calmed down a bit today with the 6" of snow forecast for Wales and the South East of England last night luckily not materialising. As the thaw sets in the airports with airlines flying into Malaga are almost back to normal.
So far today there have been no cancellations on all the scheduled flights to and from Malaga, but it is still worth checking with your airline before you set off for the airport just in case.
So far today there have been no cancellations on all the scheduled flights to and from Malaga, but it is still worth checking with your airline before you set off for the airport just in case.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Ryanair Flight Disruptions Tuesday 21st December
Ireland - Dublin Airport is open but expect some delays and cancellations
UK - London Gatwick Airport is currently open but may suffer some delays
Sweden - Stockholm Skavsta open but delays due to de-icing.
Italy – Bergamo open but delays due to earlier disruptions.
Germany - Hahn Airport - some delays and cancellations. Dusseldorf Weeze open but delays and some cancellations due to aircraft out of position.
Belgium - Brussels Charleroi open with some delays and cancellations.
France - Paris Beauvais Airport open but delays due to de-icing
The best piece of advice we can give is to check the status of your flight with the airline before setting off for the airport and good luck!
UK - London Gatwick Airport is currently open but may suffer some delays
Sweden - Stockholm Skavsta open but delays due to de-icing.
Italy – Bergamo open but delays due to earlier disruptions.
Germany - Hahn Airport - some delays and cancellations. Dusseldorf Weeze open but delays and some cancellations due to aircraft out of position.
Belgium - Brussels Charleroi open with some delays and cancellations.
France - Paris Beauvais Airport open but delays due to de-icing
The best piece of advice we can give is to check the status of your flight with the airline before setting off for the airport and good luck!
EasyJet flights to and from Malaga on Tuesday 21st December
Poor weather conditions across the UK and Mainland Europe have caused difficulties for a number of easyJet flights. We recommend that you check the status of your flight before travelling to the airport.
The current situation in the UK is:
London Gatwick – easyJet anticipate operating the majority of their G flights on Tuesday 21st December, but these will be subject to delays and disruption. There have been a small number of cancellations to/from Gatwick early this morning.
All other UK Airports are currently open and expected to operate as normal a schedule as possible.
And in Mainland Europe:
Paris CDG & ORY - Low visibility and freezing conditions expected to cause delays and disruption.
Amsterdam & Brussels – More snowfall is expected to cause delays and cancellations.
All other airports are currently open and expected to operate as normal a schedule as possible.
The current situation in the UK is:
London Gatwick – easyJet anticipate operating the majority of their G flights on Tuesday 21st December, but these will be subject to delays and disruption. There have been a small number of cancellations to/from Gatwick early this morning.
All other UK Airports are currently open and expected to operate as normal a schedule as possible.
And in Mainland Europe:
Paris CDG & ORY - Low visibility and freezing conditions expected to cause delays and disruption.
Amsterdam & Brussels – More snowfall is expected to cause delays and cancellations.
All other airports are currently open and expected to operate as normal a schedule as possible.
Aer Lingus Flight Disruption on Tuesday 21st December
AerLingus are experiencing major disruption to their services today because of severe weather conditions which will result in a number of flight cancellations. I checked the Malaga Airport arrivals board this morning their early morning flights have been cancelled.
You should check the status of your flight with the airline before departing for the airport. Customers who have provided AerLingus with their mobile phone number during the booking process will receive SMS message updates.
You should check the status of your flight with the airline before departing for the airport. Customers who have provided AerLingus with their mobile phone number during the booking process will receive SMS message updates.
Monarch Flights into Malaga Airport on 21st December
Checking on the Malaga Airport arrivals and departures boards it would appear that all Monarch Airlines flights are currently planned to operate as scheduled on Tuesday 21st December but inevitably there will be some delays and disruption as a result of the snow and adverse weather conditions across the UK and parts of Europe.
Customers are advised to allow additional journey time to get to the airport as road conditions may cause delay.
Customers are advised to allow additional journey time to get to the airport as road conditions may cause delay.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Snow causes more flight disruption on flights into Malaga
If you are flying from the UK and Ireland into Malaga Airport today some flights are subject to delay and cancellation.
There is also heavy snow and very bad weather conditions in Germany and Northern Italy.
The following UK Airports are currently closed due to adverse weather conditions: City of Derry – Belfast International – George Best Belfast City Airport – Aberdeen (Dyce) Airport – Norwich and Exeter Airports.
Passengers should check with their airline before setting off for the airport.
There is also heavy snow and very bad weather conditions in Germany and Northern Italy.
The following UK Airports are currently closed due to adverse weather conditions: City of Derry – Belfast International – George Best Belfast City Airport – Aberdeen (Dyce) Airport – Norwich and Exeter Airports.
Passengers should check with their airline before setting off for the airport.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Strike Action at Malaga Airport
Passengers travelling to and from Malaga Airport face disruption as unions have announced ground staff strike action to protest against Ryanair and Lesma redundancies. The first strike was due to take place today from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Other dates of proposed strikes are next Thursday December 23rd and Thursday December 30th also from 10:00am to 1:00 pm.
Other dates of proposed strikes are next Thursday December 23rd and Thursday December 30th also from 10:00am to 1:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Striking Spanish Air Traffic Controllers face disciplinary action
The Spanish Minister for Development has said that some air traffic controllers will be sacked and others will see their licences revoked as investigations continue into the wildcat strike earlier this month which caused the closure of Spanish airspace.
The first eight controllers called to declare before the Madrid Provincial Court on Monday have used their constitutional right to keep silent and said they would only speak after the Supreme Court had ruled on the appeals they had made to it.
The USCA controllers’ union argue that they did not want to go on strike but had no other option. They now face possible jail sentences of up to eight years and fines for their action.
The first eight controllers called to declare before the Madrid Provincial Court on Monday have used their constitutional right to keep silent and said they would only speak after the Supreme Court had ruled on the appeals they had made to it.
The USCA controllers’ union argue that they did not want to go on strike but had no other option. They now face possible jail sentences of up to eight years and fines for their action.
British Airways New Strike Threat
The union Unite is due to ballot British Airways cabin crew next week for threatened strike action over the half-term holidays next year which could be extended to the period over Easter and the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th.
The month-long ballot starts next Tuesday 21st December and will end on 21st January.
The ballot is over:
1. The immediate restoration of staff travel concessions
2. Binding arbitration, through ACAS, of all cabin crew disciplinary cases related to the original dispute.
3. The restoration of all earnings docked from crew who were genuinely off sick during strike dates.
4. Full and proper discussion of the trade union facilities agreement at the company with the immediate removal of all threats and sanctions made by BA in relation to this.
5. The introduction of mixed fleet on different terms and conditions without the agreement of the trade union.
The month-long ballot starts next Tuesday 21st December and will end on 21st January.
The ballot is over:
1. The immediate restoration of staff travel concessions
2. Binding arbitration, through ACAS, of all cabin crew disciplinary cases related to the original dispute.
3. The restoration of all earnings docked from crew who were genuinely off sick during strike dates.
4. Full and proper discussion of the trade union facilities agreement at the company with the immediate removal of all threats and sanctions made by BA in relation to this.
5. The introduction of mixed fleet on different terms and conditions without the agreement of the trade union.
Spanish Government to ask Congress to extend the Spain Airspace State of Alarm
The Spanish Government has decided to propose to Congress that the State of Alarm they introduced to allow the military to supervise the air traffic controllers at airports across the country be extended until January 15th.
It will go to a vote and it is expected to be passed with the support of the Catalan CiU and Basque PNV groupsThe original measure was brought into effect for 15 days following a wildcat strike action by the controllers on December 3rd.
The Minister for Development said that it was essential that the parliamentary response ‘be as strong as the challenge carried out’ and described controllers’ actions as ‘blackmail’. One controller at Madrid Barajas Airport managed to clock up 1200 hours of overtime in 2008 which made his annual salary almost one million euros.
The International Association of Air Transport have described the strike action as “irresponsible” and the controllers as the “best paid in Europe”. IATA considers the Spanish controllers “live well and produce little’.The controllers are reported to have warned the Government that if they sign the current proposal “everything ends”.
It will go to a vote and it is expected to be passed with the support of the Catalan CiU and Basque PNV groupsThe original measure was brought into effect for 15 days following a wildcat strike action by the controllers on December 3rd.
The Minister for Development said that it was essential that the parliamentary response ‘be as strong as the challenge carried out’ and described controllers’ actions as ‘blackmail’. One controller at Madrid Barajas Airport managed to clock up 1200 hours of overtime in 2008 which made his annual salary almost one million euros.
The International Association of Air Transport have described the strike action as “irresponsible” and the controllers as the “best paid in Europe”. IATA considers the Spanish controllers “live well and produce little’.The controllers are reported to have warned the Government that if they sign the current proposal “everything ends”.
Thirteen Spanish Airport Control Towers to be Privatised Next Year
The Spanish Development Minister has announced details for the partial privatisation of thirteen of Spain’s airport control towers next year with the aim of breaking the monopoly which the Spanish Airports Authority (AENA) currently holds. The remaining Spanish Airport control towers will be privatised from 2012.
The towers to be privatised are at Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Mallorca, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Sevilla, Jerez, Sabadell, Cuatro Vientos, Vigo, A Coruña and Melilla airports.
The government has already received a number of applications from companies interested in the contracts to manage airspace at the afffected airports.
The towers to be privatised are at Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Mallorca, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Sevilla, Jerez, Sabadell, Cuatro Vientos, Vigo, A Coruña and Melilla airports.
The government has already received a number of applications from companies interested in the contracts to manage airspace at the afffected airports.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
EasyJet premium fares go on sale
The new easyJet flexible fare allows unlimited changes to a booking in the week before the original travel date and for three weeks after.
It starts from £99.99 which is £72.00 more than the cheapest easyJet standard fare. Passengers are given priority boarding and can check in a bag at no cost.
easyJet has begun selling its new flexible fare for business travellers through travel agencies but not on its own website. They confirmed the premium fare would be available on easyJet.com in the near future.
It starts from £99.99 which is £72.00 more than the cheapest easyJet standard fare. Passengers are given priority boarding and can check in a bag at no cost.
easyJet has begun selling its new flexible fare for business travellers through travel agencies but not on its own website. They confirmed the premium fare would be available on easyJet.com in the near future.
Spanish Airport workers delay strike action until after Christmas
The strike action planned for Christmas by employees of the Spanish Airports Authority, AENA, against plans for partial privatisation has been postponed until after the festive season.
Employees have decided to wait to see the result of negotiations which start this week. It’s understood that a decision will be made on whether or not to go ahead with the protests once AENA gives the workers’ representatives more detail on what the privatisation plans will entail.
The staff have been asked to remain on standby to support any protests which may be decided.
Employees have decided to wait to see the result of negotiations which start this week. It’s understood that a decision will be made on whether or not to go ahead with the protests once AENA gives the workers’ representatives more detail on what the privatisation plans will entail.
The staff have been asked to remain on standby to support any protests which may be decided.
Spanish Government prepares to extend airspace State of Alarm
The Spanish Prime Minister has called an extraordinary cabinet meeting for 19:00 tonight with tension rising over the future of the ‘State of Alarm’ introduced to allow the military to supervise the air traffic controllers at civil airports across the country.
The measure was originally for15 days but is set to be extended this evening by the Government.
The measure was originally for15 days but is set to be extended this evening by the Government.
Friday, December 10, 2010
New Route from Malaga Airport to Ediburgh
Jet2 has just announced a new route from Málaga Airport to Edinburgh.
Two flights a week will start operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 2nd 2011.
It will be the airline's 49th route in Spain and their fifth from Málaga as it already flies from the Costa del Sol to Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Blackpool.
Two flights a week will start operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 2nd 2011.
It will be the airline's 49th route in Spain and their fifth from Málaga as it already flies from the Costa del Sol to Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Blackpool.
No Spanish Air Traffic Controllers Strike Over Christmas
Following the wildcat strike of the Spanish air traffic controllers which caused chaos last weekend, the Spanish Airports Authority (AENA) has stated that they have to work a total of 1,840 hours a year. (The controllers believed that 1,670 hours had been agreed).
It was the clarification from the cabinet by Royal Decree today that the lower figure is the time spent on aeronautical duty and higher figure includes time spent on training, union time, paternity leave and other duties away from the control tower.
Some controllers believed they could not work again until January because they had already reached the lower figure this year, but AENA says that is not the case.
All talks are all currently suspended while the State of Alarm remains in force. The emergency measure brought in by the Government is for 15 days, but the Spanish Prime Minister has already indicated could be extended.
Meanwhile the air traffic controllers have given an undertaking that there will not be another ‘blockage’ at Christmas.
It was the clarification from the cabinet by Royal Decree today that the lower figure is the time spent on aeronautical duty and higher figure includes time spent on training, union time, paternity leave and other duties away from the control tower.
Some controllers believed they could not work again until January because they had already reached the lower figure this year, but AENA says that is not the case.
All talks are all currently suspended while the State of Alarm remains in force. The emergency measure brought in by the Government is for 15 days, but the Spanish Prime Minister has already indicated could be extended.
Meanwhile the air traffic controllers have given an undertaking that there will not be another ‘blockage’ at Christmas.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Flooding Stops High Speed train between Malaga and Madrid
The AVE high speed rail service between Málaga and Madrid was suspended for two hours last night because of flooding making the track impassable between the Córdoba towns of Villanueva and Adamuz in the Cordoba Sierra.
The line was closed at 8:00 pm on Wednesday night affecting 5,200 passengers on 19 trains travelling in both directions.
ADIF technicians have now cleared the line and normal service has been resumed.
The line was closed at 8:00 pm on Wednesday night affecting 5,200 passengers on 19 trains travelling in both directions.
ADIF technicians have now cleared the line and normal service has been resumed.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Spanish pilots not on strike over Christmas
Spanish pilots are currently in dispute with the government on maximum working hours for airline crew but have promised they will take no strike action over Christmas, postponing any protests until after the holiday period.
A meeting was due to take place between the pilots’ union, SEPLA, and the Development Ministry this week but that has now been postponed until next Tuesday, December 14th.
There has been no confirmation yet on the dates for strike action over Christmas by employees of the Spanish Airports Authority, AENA. These protests are over the government’s plans for partial privatisation to raise money for the country’s ailing economy.
A meeting was due to take place between the pilots’ union, SEPLA, and the Development Ministry this week but that has now been postponed until next Tuesday, December 14th.
There has been no confirmation yet on the dates for strike action over Christmas by employees of the Spanish Airports Authority, AENA. These protests are over the government’s plans for partial privatisation to raise money for the country’s ailing economy.
New route from Malaga Airport to London City
British Airways has announced a new route between Malaga Airport and London City Airport. It will be operated by BA City Flyer and will link the capital of the Costa del Sol with the City of London starting on June 7th, 2011.
The new route will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during the summer months.
The new route will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during the summer months.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
CarTrawler becomes exclusive car hire provider for Vueling Airlines
CarTrawler is a privately owned company based in Dublin who provide a car rental distribution system offering a large selection of rent a car options from over 550 vehicle suppliers in 175 countries in 25,000 city and airport locations in Europe, Middle East, North America and Africa.
They have just formed a partnership with the Spanish airline Vueling to act as their exclusive car rental agent now providing car hire to visitors to the Vueling website as well as passengers booking by telephone and at check-in kiosks.
Vueling has a fleet of 36 aircraft which fly to over 50 European destinations, opening up a large segment of the Spanish domestic and international flights market to CarTrawler.
We have worked with CarTrawler for a number of years and can confirm that they offer good customer service and provide very competitive rates for car hire at Malaga Airport.
They have just formed a partnership with the Spanish airline Vueling to act as their exclusive car rental agent now providing car hire to visitors to the Vueling website as well as passengers booking by telephone and at check-in kiosks.
Vueling has a fleet of 36 aircraft which fly to over 50 European destinations, opening up a large segment of the Spanish domestic and international flights market to CarTrawler.
We have worked with CarTrawler for a number of years and can confirm that they offer good customer service and provide very competitive rates for car hire at Malaga Airport.
Spanish Government taking action against striking air traffic controllers
The Spanish Minister for Public Works, Jose Blanco, has confirmed that the Government has started disciplinary proceedings against 442 air traffic controllers who abandoned their post or failed to arrive for their shifts at Spanish Airports last Friday. Blanco described their behaviour as "highly irresponsible":
It is estimated the wildcat strike by air traffic controllers will cost the Spanish tourist industry around €250m, not including the costs of deploying the military and additional costs to other airlines.
It is estimated the wildcat strike by air traffic controllers will cost the Spanish tourist industry around €250m, not including the costs of deploying the military and additional costs to other airlines.
Spanish state of emergency could be extended until Christmas
Spain declared a state of emergency just after midday on Saturday to ensure the air traffic controllers returned to work at the Spanish Airports.
This is the first time in Spain’s 32-year democracy that this has been done with the state of alarm clause being created to help governments deal with catastrophes including earthquakes, floods, and the collapse of public services.
Powers exercised during General Franco’s dictatorship gave the military control of Spain’s airspace. It has the authority to force striking air traffic controllers to return to work, or face prison for disobeying orders. The controllers have been told they still face being prosecuted and losing their jobs.
The move worked and the wildcat strikers returned on Saturday afternoon with Spanish deputy prime minister apologising to the travellers affected and accused air traffic controllers of “blackmailing all of our citizens”. A total of 330,000 international travellers are thought to have been caught up in the chaos and around two million flyers affected overall
The strike was deliberately called to cause major disruption over a holiday weekend in Spain and was called after the government slashed the overtime allowance of air traffic controllers. The situation worsened when the cabinet recently decreed that controllers who miss work shifts because of illness must make up lost hours and can be subject to medical check-ups immediately if they call in sick.
Around 97% of air traffic controllers are now working with Ministers warning that the state of emergency could remain in place for the next fortnight to ensure calm in the run-up to Christmas.
The Spanish Prime Minister will give a full statement to Congress on the matter on Thursday.
This is the first time in Spain’s 32-year democracy that this has been done with the state of alarm clause being created to help governments deal with catastrophes including earthquakes, floods, and the collapse of public services.
Powers exercised during General Franco’s dictatorship gave the military control of Spain’s airspace. It has the authority to force striking air traffic controllers to return to work, or face prison for disobeying orders. The controllers have been told they still face being prosecuted and losing their jobs.
The move worked and the wildcat strikers returned on Saturday afternoon with Spanish deputy prime minister apologising to the travellers affected and accused air traffic controllers of “blackmailing all of our citizens”. A total of 330,000 international travellers are thought to have been caught up in the chaos and around two million flyers affected overall
The strike was deliberately called to cause major disruption over a holiday weekend in Spain and was called after the government slashed the overtime allowance of air traffic controllers. The situation worsened when the cabinet recently decreed that controllers who miss work shifts because of illness must make up lost hours and can be subject to medical check-ups immediately if they call in sick.
Around 97% of air traffic controllers are now working with Ministers warning that the state of emergency could remain in place for the next fortnight to ensure calm in the run-up to Christmas.
The Spanish Prime Minister will give a full statement to Congress on the matter on Thursday.
Latest on Spanish Airports flights affected by strike
The Spanish Airport Authority (Aena) is still advising passengers to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport. UK airports are saying the same thing because of the continuing bad weather conditions. Edinburgh Airport is closed at the moment because of overnight snow.
The Spanish Airports are almost back to normal with just 25 arrivals and 24 departures cancelled yesterday. 267 of the 271 of the air traffic controllers turned up for work yesterday so that a normal shift could be operated.
Looking at the arrivals and departures situation at Malaga Airport this morning, any delays are being caused by bad weather conditions at airports in the UK and Ireland and not by the Spanish.
The Spanish Airports are almost back to normal with just 25 arrivals and 24 departures cancelled yesterday. 267 of the 271 of the air traffic controllers turned up for work yesterday so that a normal shift could be operated.
Looking at the arrivals and departures situation at Malaga Airport this morning, any delays are being caused by bad weather conditions at airports in the UK and Ireland and not by the Spanish.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Latest strike news at Malaga Airport
The Spanish air traffic controllers returned to work at 15:00 yesterday after the Spanish Government called a state of emergency over their strike. They timed it for the worst possible weekend (apart from Christmas) as the 6th and 8th December are big holidays here and a lot of Spaniards travel to see families and friends.
There are still thousands of passengers stranded in Spanish and UK Airports and our much used phrase of "check with your airline before setting off" is now more important than ever. It is anticipated that it will take another 48 hours before the backlog is cleared and flights have been found for all the passengers.
Malaga Airport does have flights operating normally today with airlines trying to operate additional flights for passengers stranded at airports.
There are still thousands of passengers stranded in Spanish and UK Airports and our much used phrase of "check with your airline before setting off" is now more important than ever. It is anticipated that it will take another 48 hours before the backlog is cleared and flights have been found for all the passengers.
Malaga Airport does have flights operating normally today with airlines trying to operate additional flights for passengers stranded at airports.
Friday, December 03, 2010
New Parking Restrictions in Puerto Banus
If you are heading to Malaga Airport and planning on staying in the Marbella/Puerto Banus area you should be aware of some new parking restrictions which come into effect on 9th December.
If you are thinking of hiring a car and driving in Puerto Banus then be warned there is no more free parking in the roads around the Cristamar Centre or Playas del Duque area on Monday to Friday between 9:00-14:00 and then from 16:30 -20:00pm. On Saturdays only from 09:00-14:00 and Sundays are free.
If you are thinking of hiring a car and driving in Puerto Banus then be warned there is no more free parking in the roads around the Cristamar Centre or Playas del Duque area on Monday to Friday between 9:00-14:00 and then from 16:30 -20:00pm. On Saturdays only from 09:00-14:00 and Sundays are free.
Gatwick to Malaga flights update
Gatwick Airport reopened at 06:00 this morning after a two-day shutdown caused by the heavy snow.
Passengers are being warned there is still a lot of disruption because of freezing fog with flights limited and delays and cancellations inevitable. It is likely to take a few days before flight schedules return to normal.
Also train services to and from the airport are still limited and road networks are still severely affected by the weather.
Looking at the first batch of flight arrivals due at Malaga Airport up until noon today most of the Gatwick flights are scheduled with the exception of AerLingus which has been cancelled. Departures to the UK from Malaga look pretty normal at the moment.
Our advice to passengers remains the same: do not travel to the airport without first checking with your airline to make sure that your flight is scheduled to depart today.
Passengers are being warned there is still a lot of disruption because of freezing fog with flights limited and delays and cancellations inevitable. It is likely to take a few days before flight schedules return to normal.
Also train services to and from the airport are still limited and road networks are still severely affected by the weather.
Looking at the first batch of flight arrivals due at Malaga Airport up until noon today most of the Gatwick flights are scheduled with the exception of AerLingus which has been cancelled. Departures to the UK from Malaga look pretty normal at the moment.
Our advice to passengers remains the same: do not travel to the airport without first checking with your airline to make sure that your flight is scheduled to depart today.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Spanish pilots threatening strike action over Christmas
The pilots union in Spain has announced intended strike action and protests over the Christmas period because of the government’s failure to stick to regulations regarding maximum working hours for airline crew.
The union said in a press release today that pilot fatigue can play a key factor in 20% of aviation accidents.
The Spanish Airports Authority AENA are angry at the Government's plans for their privatisation and are joining the pilots with the festive strike threat
AENA say they are yet to decide on the exact dates and form of their protests, but these will be announced after the Constitution Bank Holiday on December 9th. Will post details here are soon as I have them.
The union said in a press release today that pilot fatigue can play a key factor in 20% of aviation accidents.
The Spanish Airports Authority AENA are angry at the Government's plans for their privatisation and are joining the pilots with the festive strike threat
AENA say they are yet to decide on the exact dates and form of their protests, but these will be announced after the Constitution Bank Holiday on December 9th. Will post details here are soon as I have them.
Latest on flight disruptions into Spain caused by snow in UK
Malaga Airport is operating as normally as it can today (it’s sunny here), but the problems travellers are experiencing caused by snow in the UK are worsening with a lot of flights unable to take off or land there.
Gatwick Airport is closed again today with snow still falling. It re-opened briefly last night, but was forced to close again cancelling the 600 flights scheduled and leaving passengers stranded or being advised to return home and wait for further news.
A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Between 5-6 inches of snow fell at Gatwick around 5:00 am this morning and the forecast is that another 5-6 inches will fall by this evening”.
As far as the other London Airports are concerned Luton, Heathrow and Stansted are still fully operational but some flights are being diverted because of the overloaded air traffic.
London City Airport has closed of their runway until 14:00 on Friday.
Edinburgh Airport is closed until at least 6:00 pm this evening and Durham Tees Valley Airport will be closed until at least 12 noon today.
Newcastle International Airport is open but more snowfall has resulted in some disruption to flights causing changes to scheduled arrivals and departures.
Birmingham Airport is open but several flights have been cancelled this morning.
Manchester Airport was forced to close from 23:00 until 01:00 for snow clearing and 15 planes were diverted to other airports with 11 of those later flying back to Manchester. A spokesman for the airport said that “If the forecasts for today are correct then we shouldn’t have any more problems. In fact, we’ll be helping out the London airports who are having problems.”
Eurostar trains were running about an hour late.
Forecasters have warned the severe conditions were likely to last for the rest of this week, with rain and sleet adding to the problems in some areas.
So the advice again is to be prepared for a lot of frustration, delays, cancellations and even redirections if you are travelling today and check with your airline before you set off for the airport.
Gatwick Airport is closed again today with snow still falling. It re-opened briefly last night, but was forced to close again cancelling the 600 flights scheduled and leaving passengers stranded or being advised to return home and wait for further news.
A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Between 5-6 inches of snow fell at Gatwick around 5:00 am this morning and the forecast is that another 5-6 inches will fall by this evening”.
As far as the other London Airports are concerned Luton, Heathrow and Stansted are still fully operational but some flights are being diverted because of the overloaded air traffic.
London City Airport has closed of their runway until 14:00 on Friday.
Edinburgh Airport is closed until at least 6:00 pm this evening and Durham Tees Valley Airport will be closed until at least 12 noon today.
Newcastle International Airport is open but more snowfall has resulted in some disruption to flights causing changes to scheduled arrivals and departures.
Birmingham Airport is open but several flights have been cancelled this morning.
Manchester Airport was forced to close from 23:00 until 01:00 for snow clearing and 15 planes were diverted to other airports with 11 of those later flying back to Manchester. A spokesman for the airport said that “If the forecasts for today are correct then we shouldn’t have any more problems. In fact, we’ll be helping out the London airports who are having problems.”
Eurostar trains were running about an hour late.
Forecasters have warned the severe conditions were likely to last for the rest of this week, with rain and sleet adding to the problems in some areas.
So the advice again is to be prepared for a lot of frustration, delays, cancellations and even redirections if you are travelling today and check with your airline before you set off for the airport.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Latest on snow flight disruption to Malaga Airport from UK and Ireland
The good news is that although we are currently experiencing heavy rain here it is not affecting flights operating in and out of Malaga Airport. Unless you are travelling to or from the UK and Ireland where bad weather is affecting the travel plans of thousands of passengers as the snow continues to fall.
The Siberian weather is now affecting London, the South East and the Midlands with some airports closed because of heavy snowfall.
Gatwick Airport is closed until at least 06:00 on Thursday 2nd December.
Heathrow, Luton and Stansted Airports in London are open and operating but passengers should allow extra time for getting to the airport.
In Scotland, Edinburgh airport is closed until at least 6:00 pm today and passengers are being advised not to travel to the airport.
In Glasgow and Aberdeen the flights are trying to operate but passengers should check with their airlines for changes to arrival and departure times.
Newcastle Airport is open and flights are arriving and departing but passengers should expect disruption.
Birmingham and Manchester Airports are airport as open as normal but with some delays and cancellations.
The Siberian weather is now affecting London, the South East and the Midlands with some airports closed because of heavy snowfall.
Gatwick Airport is closed until at least 06:00 on Thursday 2nd December.
Heathrow, Luton and Stansted Airports in London are open and operating but passengers should allow extra time for getting to the airport.
In Scotland, Edinburgh airport is closed until at least 6:00 pm today and passengers are being advised not to travel to the airport.
In Glasgow and Aberdeen the flights are trying to operate but passengers should check with their airlines for changes to arrival and departure times.
Newcastle Airport is open and flights are arriving and departing but passengers should expect disruption.
Birmingham and Manchester Airports are airport as open as normal but with some delays and cancellations.
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