Armed Police escorted striking air traffic control workers back to work on Sunday, 5th December, as the unofficial strikes caused havoc across the UK and Europe.

The Spanish Government had declared the strikes as a ‘state of alert’ which gives the military armed Police the authority to imprison those who refuse to work. This is the first time the Government have used this method of forcing employees back to work since 1975, after the death of General Franco.

Airspace was reopened after workers were told they could face as much as eight years in jail.

Spanish air traffic controllers are actually Europe’s best paid, with annual salaries of up to €1m.

Any passenger concerned about an impending flight to any Spanish airport should contact the airline they are flying with – it is advisable to do this online as phone lines may be very busy.