Euskotren begins peak-hour strikes, disrupting commuter rail across Basque Country
Supreme Court Suspends Voting Rights of ‘Grandchildren-Law’ Spaniards Abroad
Italy Extends Border Checks on Travellers From Spain for Additional 15 Days
Latest News
Twelve migrants intercepted after night-time landing on Mallorca’s south coast
Mallorcan police detained 12 North-African migrants late on 15 September after their boat reached Colònia de Sant Jordi. The landing underscores the Balearic Islands’ escalating maritime-arrival pressure, with more than 5,300 people recorded in 2026. Resulting security operations may cause sporadic travel disruptions and slower immigration-office processing on the island.
Spanish cabinet clears €1.7 billion upgrade plan for Barcelona-El Prat, easing capacity crunch for 2027-31
Spain has earmarked €1.7 billion under DORA III to expand and modernise Barcelona-El Prat Airport between 2027 and 2031, funding a satellite terminal and new border-control technology but postponing the controversial runway extension. The investment should relieve gate congestion and improve processing times, offering medium-term benefits for business travellers and airlines, although peak-hour slot shortages will remain until a runway decision is taken.
Groundforce strike and other industrial actions continue to disrupt Spanish travel network
Three separate strikes—Groundforce handlers at Barcelona-El Prat, Saerco tower controllers in Jerez/A Coruña and Euskotren rail staff—were active on 15 September, creating knock-on delays across Spain’s air and rail networks. Though each dispute is limited in scope, their overlap is complicating business-travel itineraries and cargo flows, prompting companies to build extra buffers and update duty-of-care plans.
Government Says Up to 1,000 Unaccompanied Minors Still Sleeping Rough in Ceuta
The Spanish government now estimates that up to 1,000 migrant minors are still living outdoors in Ceuta, underscoring the enclave’s ongoing humanitarian and security challenges. A legal case over the crisis has been escalated to the Audiencia Nacional, and business groups warn of supply-chain disruptions and higher insurance costs.
Spanish Congress Debates Vox Proposal to Deploy Armed Forces Against Irregular Migration
Vox has asked Spain’s parliament to let the armed forces fight irregular migration, citing July’s Ceuta influx. The government and left-wing parties oppose the plan, warning it blurs military and police roles, but the debate signals rising political pressure to toughen Spain’s border policy. Mobility managers should watch for any legal shifts that could tighten entry rules or enforcement.
Italy and Spain prolong reciprocal Schengen border checks amid Ceuta migration dispute
Italy has prolonged for another 15 days the internal Schengen controls it imposed on travellers from Spain; Madrid has extended its tit-for-tat checks on arrivals from Italy for the same period. The measures, triggered by July’s mass migrant crossing into Ceuta, lengthen airport and port processing times and oblige business travellers to carry full ID. The episode exposes the fragility of Schengen free movement and forces companies shuttling staff between the two countries to build extra time and compliance checks into travel plans.
Multiple Airport and Rail Strikes Continue to Hit Spanish Mobility Network
Three airport labour disputes and a Basque rail strike disrupted Spanish transport on 15 September, causing flight and commuter delays. Although no fresh strikes are imminent, companies should build contingency time into travel schedules and monitor union announcements.
Italy and Spain extend mutual border checks for further 15 days amid Ceuta migration fallout
Italy and Spain have each prolonged the temporary suspension of Schengen free-movement for travellers on their bilateral routes until at least 8 October. The extension, triggered by July’s mass crossing into Ceuta, means continued passport and security checks at airports and seaports, lengthening journey times for business travellers and air-cargo flows. The tit-for-tat measures highlight growing intra-EU tension over migration and could test the legal limits of the Schengen Borders Code.
Groundforce baggage-handling strike at Barcelona Airport enters sixth week with fresh passenger advisories
Aena has issued fresh warnings as the Groundforce baggage-handling strike at Barcelona-El Prat drags into its sixth week, causing longer bag-delivery times and earlier check-in cut-offs. The dispute, which affects more than 40 airlines, forces business travellers to rely on hand luggage and consider alternative airports for time-sensitive trips.
Somport Tunnel Closure Disrupts Spain–France Road Freight Until 19 September
The Somport tunnel linking Aragón with France is shut 14–19 September for French-side engineering works, forcing freight and passenger traffic onto longer, sometimes concurrent detours. Businesses should expect 6-hour delays, re-route hazardous cargo, and update driver safety protocols.
Two migrant boats reach Formentera carrying 30 North African nationals
A fresh wave of irregular migration hit the Balearic Islands on 15 September when two boats carrying 30 people landed on Formentera. The arrivals, part of a sharp 2026 surge on the Algeria–Balearics route, are straining local reception centres and could slow immigration paperwork across the islands. Businesses should prepare for longer NIE and visa-appointment wait times and heightened ID checks on inter-island ferries.