A General Strike Has American Airlines Waiving Fees for Spain Flights

Spain faces a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and the U.S. Embassy has warned of last-minute cancellations and demonstrations that could close roads. According to TheTravel, the large trade unions CCOO and UGT are involved, with demands focused on affordable housing, higher wages, working conditions and the cost of living.

Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid-Barajas will not close, but operations are expected to be reduced. Spain’s Transport Ministry has said airlines must still operate a minimum number of routes, so some flights should keep running, though which ones is hard to predict in advance.

American Airlines has issued a travel waiver. Per the report, it covers travel to or from Barcelona and Madrid on November 11, for tickets purchased by November 6, with travel between November 8 and 18. Change fees are waived in any fare class, including Basic Economy. Travelers must rebook between the same cities and in the same cabin, paying any fare difference, and cannot change origin or destination.

The article notes that United and Delta had not issued waivers as of Monday morning. Anyone flying to Spain that day should confirm their flight on the day of travel, check their airline’s alert page, and leave extra time for ground transport to the airport in case of road closures.

Sources: TheTravel, American Airlines