Mallorca is on course for one of its best ever Easter holiday periods as tourists divert to the island from Cyprus, Turkey and a lesser extent Greece as a result of the Gulf war. British tour operators have reported a surge in demnd for Mallorca over recent days.
But there is a low point. Ground staff at many Spanish airports, including Palma airport, are due to strike before and during the Easter holidays. At Palma airport it could affect up to 800,000 people. Also, at Palma airport it will be the first big test of the new European Union entry and exit system which has led to long queues at other Spanish airports.
Ground staff at 12 Spanish airports are due to strike, including Palma. Employees of Groundforce, will begin begin indefinite strike action from next Friday. It will see stoppages on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridayss during three time slots from 5 to 7a.m., 11a.m to 5p.m. and then from 10p.m. to midnight.
Other handling staff have planned 24 hour strikes on March 28 and 29 and from April 2 to 6. Airport authorities have warned that if the strikes go ahead travellers should be prepared for queues and delays.
The strikes are a blow for the Mallorca tourist industry which is preparing for a record period, with 80 percent of hotels open, after a long winter.