Spain Tourism Sector Braces for New Upheaval as Massive Overtourism Protest Targets One of the Busiest Airport Next Week During Peak Summer Travel Season: What You Need to Know Before Planning Your Trip – Travel And Tour World

Spain tourism industry on new alert as huge overtourism protest set to disrupt one of busiest airports next week at height of summer with tens of thousands of tourists facing chaos with flights may be severely delayed, cancelled and disrupted. The new spate of demonstrations, fueled by increasing frustration among local workers and residents who say unregulated growth in tourism is putting unbearable stress on infrastructure and resources, come during the busiest weeks of the summer vacation. At the height of the annual travel season, and tourist figures already on the up, anyone travelling to Spain should keep a close eye on its unfolding scenario, make plans now and expect possible congestion or disruption at airports which could ruin any summer holiday. Here’s what you need to know before you plan your trip.

As the peak holiday season gets underway, Palma de Mallorca Airport has issued a critical advisory to tourists—particularly British travelers—urging them to plan ahead due to a looming protest that could cause widespread disruption. The alert comes just as schools in the UK begin their summer break, a time when thousands of families head to the Balearic Islands for sun-filled holidays.

A significant demonstration is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 25, at the island’s only commercial airport—Son Sant Joan Airport, commonly known as Palma de Mallorca Airport. The protest has been organized by Union General de Trabajadores (UGT), one of Spain’s most influential labor unions, representing aviation, tourism, and transport sector workers. The demonstration is set to occur between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., targeting the airport’s arrival terminal.

Why the Protest Is Happening

The UGT union has voiced discontent over several unresolved issues with airport authorities and industry employers, which they claim affect working conditions and job security. While the planned demonstration is initially expected to be peaceful, the union has warned that a lack of progress could lead to more severe measures, including disruptive strikes and possibly even attempts to shut down airport operations entirely.

According to a recent advisory posted on the Palma Airport website, passengers should prepare for potential delays and long queues. The airport authority has acknowledged that the protest, even if limited in duration, could cause significant disruption due to the already high passenger volume expected in late July.

“While the demonstration planned for July 25 is currently intended as a peaceful protest, the union has warned that escalation is likely if no progress is made,” reads the statement. “This could include more disruptive measures designed to bring the airport to a standstill.”

Guidance for Travelers

In light of the expected protests, Palma Airport has issued several recommendations for passengers traveling around that date:

• Arrive well in advance: Travelers are advised to get to the airport earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays at check-in and security.
• Monitor official channels: Keep a close eye on updates from Palma Airport and individual airlines for any changes or cancellations.
• Track news developments: Stay informed on the progression of the protest and possible escalation to strikes or other industrial actions.

This guidance is especially crucial as the airport is bracing for record-breaking travel volumes. With over two million British tourists visiting Majorca annually, and July marking one of the busiest travel periods, any disturbance could snowball into airport-wide delays.

Growing Frustrations Over Long Queues

The upcoming protest is not the only issue worrying travelers. Long-standing complaints about extensive queues at Palma Airport, especially at passport control, have prompted consumer groups to call for urgent solutions. British tourists have frequently reported long wait times upon arrival, which are expected to worsen with the implementation of a new European border control system later this year.

The EES Factor: A Digital Border Shift on the Horizon

The Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch across EU and Schengen Zone airports this October, will replace the traditional method of manually stamping passports. Instead, it will use an automated IT system to track and store key data of non-EU travelers—including those from the UK—every time they enter or exit any of the 29 participating European countries.

Under the EES:

• Personal passport data will be scanned and stored at the border.
• The exact date and location of entry and exit will be digitally recorded.
• Biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) will likely be collected.

The goal of the system is to improve border security and reduce illegal overstays. However, concerns have been raised by airport officials and border services, who argue that the system could increase processing times at already overwhelmed terminals—especially during high-volume travel periods.

Travel Experts Caution on Possible Delays

Several travel and border security experts have pointed out that the rollout of EES could cause further congestion, particularly at airports like Palma that are already facing staffing issues and operational pressure during peak months.

Although no prior registration is needed for travelers, the real-time onboarding process at the external border could become a bottleneck if not implemented efficiently. This poses a serious challenge for airports like Palma de Mallorca, which are expected to handle millions of travelers over the coming months.

Balearic Tourism Under Pressure

The protest at Palma Airport comes amid broader tensions surrounding over-tourism in the Balearic Islands. While the islands, especially Majorca, remain a top destination for UK and European tourists, local unions and advocacy groups have increasingly spoken out about unsustainable tourism growth, pressure on infrastructure, and the impact on residents’ quality of life.

This summer’s protest appears to be the latest chapter in an ongoing debate between labor groups, airport operators, and government officials over how to balance booming tourism with fair working conditions and effective airport operations.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you’re heading to Majorca or transiting through Palma de Mallorca Airport around July 25, here’s a quick checklist to stay prepared:

With both a major protest and a new EU border system on the horizon, travelers flying through Palma de Mallorca Airport this summer face a perfect storm of potential delays and disruptions. As British holidaymakers look forward to their Mediterranean break, they are urged to take proactive steps, stay informed, and prepare for a less-than-smooth airport experience.

Record Passenger Numbers Heighten Protest Impact at Busy Spanish Airport

Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of Spain’s busiest aviation hubs, is currently handling record passenger volumes, making the timing of next week’s massive overtourism protest especially problematic. In 2024 alone, the airport welcomed approximately 33.3 million passengers, averaging about 91,200 travelers daily, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. This surge continued into the first half of 2025, with Q1 seeing an estimated 8.3 million passengers and Q2 experiencing even heavier traffic—April recorded over 3 million passengers, May 3.8 million, and June peaked at 4.2 million travelers.

These unprecedented figures—amounting to nearly 122,000 daily arrivals and departures in peak summer months—underscore why a protest at this moment could cause such significant disruption. With tens of thousands of travelers expected daily during the height of the summer holiday season, any delays or stoppages resulting from the overtourism demonstration could swiftly escalate into widespread travel chaos, impacting flight schedules, security checkpoints, and overall airport operations.

Passengers traveling through Palma next week are strongly advised to closely monitor official communications from both the airport and their respective airlines. Travelers should arrive significantly earlier than usual to allow ample time for potential delays, keep track of updates, and have backup plans in case of severe disruptions or cancellations.

Spain tourism sector braces for new upheaval as massive overtourism protest targets one of the busiest airports next week during peak summer travel season, driven by rising local frustration over tourism’s strain on infrastructure. Travelers should anticipate major delays and disruptions, planning accordingly to minimize inconvenience.

Whether the protest remains peaceful or escalates into further industrial action remains to be seen—but for now, one thing is certain: this summer’s holiday rush in Majorca is anything but ordinary.