Spanish airspace reopens after strike

Spanish airspace reopened this afternoon after a strike by air traffic controllers that left thousands of British holidaymakers stranded, authorities in the country said.

Airlines cancelled flights in and out of the country after the unofficial walk-out which led to the Spanish government declaring a “state of alarm” and threatening workers with prison terms.

The reopening of airspace was confirmed by Spanish air traffic control agency Aena.

A spokesman for Aena said strikers who walked out yesterday have been returning in sufficient numbers to make it safe for planes to be flown in Spanish airspace.

Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia have cancelled all Spanish flights until tomorrow. It is expected to take some time before a normal flying schedule is resumed.

Spanish airspace had been taken over by the military in response to the wildcat strikes, with the government shutting down eight airports, including Madrid.

The walk-out came after Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and his ministers approved a package of austerity measures – including a move to partially privatise airports and hand over management of the Madrid and Barcelona airports to the private sector.

The walk-out had also closed four airports in the Canary Islands as well as airports in Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Menorca.

Passengers are being advised to contact their airline before travelling.