Spain and Italy Agree to End Temporary Schengen Border Checks Imposed After Ceuta Crisis
Spain and Italy Agree to Lift Temporary Schengen Border Checks Imposed After Ceuta Migratory Crisis
Spanish Train-Drivers’ Union SEMAF Calls 24-Hour National Strike for 29 October
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Interior Ministry Data Show 27,230 Irregular Arrivals to Spain So Far in 2026—Down 6 % Year-on-Year
Spain recorded 27,230 irregular migrant arrivals up to 15 October 2026—6 % fewer than the same period last year, Interior Ministry data show. While arrivals to the Canary Islands fell by a third, land crossings at Ceuta and Melilla rose sharply, underlining shifting pressure points that could influence future EU border policy and local appointment capacity for corporate immigration cases.
Three Separate Airport Strikes Continue to Hit Spain on 16 October—Barcelona Groundforce Walk-Out Enters Third Month
Strike Tracker lists three separate airport-related strikes active in Spain on 16 October, led by Groundforce staff at Barcelona El Prat. While safety-minimum staffing keeps airspace open, travellers continue to face check-in and baggage delays. Mobility teams should allow generous connection times and monitor the outcome of mediation talks scheduled for next week.
High-Speed Operator Iryo Plans 13.8 % Service Boost on Spanish Rail Network for 2027
Iryo will lift high-speed train frequencies by almost 14 % in 2027, adding fleet and boosting routes such as Madrid–Málaga and Madrid–Seville. The move strengthens rail’s competitiveness with air travel for Spanish business commuters and offers companies greener, same-day travel options.
Spain Extends Temporary Border Checks on Arrivals From Italy Until 22 October
Spain has prolonged the temporary restoration of Schengen border controls on passengers arriving from Italy until 22 October 2026. The move, listed in the European Commission’s 15 October update, stems from migration-related security concerns and mirrors similar checks by Italy on Spanish arrivals. Travellers must plan for manual passport inspection and possible questioning, adding time to business itineraries.
Rolling Baggage-System Strike at Madrid-Barajas Extended to 30 November
Maintenance staff responsible for Madrid-Barajas’ baggage-handling system have extended their rolling strike until 30 November, with five-day-a-week stoppages. Flights continue, but suitcase delivery can slow during the two-hour walkouts, so travellers should allow extra connection time and carry essentials in hand luggage.
EU Summit Opens with Pledge of Solidarity to Spain over Ceuta Migrant Crisis
The European Council opened today with migration high on the agenda. Draft conclusions pledge solidarity and extra resources for Spain’s Ceuta and Melilla after July’s mass crossing. Decisions taken could shape future Schengen checks and affect corporate travel between Spain, Italy and the wider EU.
Canary Islands Port Authority Clarifies Border-Control Rules for Non-Schengen Cruise Calls
Puertos Canarios clarified that passport control for cruises arriving from non-Schengen ports—such as a planned Morocco–Lanzarote call—falls under Spain’s central government, not the regional port authority. Cruise lines must secure immigration clearance and ensure passengers hold the correct Schengen visas, or risk fines and diversions.
easyJet Puts Southampton–Málaga and Other Spain Links on Sale for Summer 2027
easyJet’s 15 October route release adds a twice-weekly Southampton–Málaga flight and boosts the carrier’s UK-Spain offering for summer 2027. The move strengthens point-to-point access for SMEs and expatriate staff on Spain’s Costa del Sol and aligns with easyJet’s wider growth strategy in the Spanish market.
TUI to Launch Gatwick Links to Santiago, Seville and Valencia in Summer 2027
TUI will start thrice-weekly Gatwick flights to Santiago de Compostela, Seville and Valencia in summer 2027, expanding UK connectivity to Spain’s regional business hubs. The new links enhance options for corporate and expatriate travellers beyond traditional Madrid and Barcelona gateways.
Iberia Plans Aggressive Long-Haul Growth as Barajas Expansion Unlocks Extra Slots
At Madrid’s Foro CREO, Iberia confirmed plans to grow its fleet by 25 % and open new Americas routes, leveraging the forthcoming expansion of Madrid-Barajas airport from 70 m to 90 m passengers a year. More capacity and new long-haul links will strengthen Spain’s position as a trans-Atlantic hub, offering mobility managers extra choice for assignments and business travel.
Spanish Police Arrest 45 in Ceuta for Using Stolen IDs to Reach Mainland
Spanish police in Ceuta arrested 45 people on 15 October for using other people’s ID cards to board ferries to Algeciras. The operation follows a surge in document thefts after the July mass-entry incident and highlights tighter controls on the Spain–mainland route. Business travellers should expect longer checks and stricter document scrutiny.