Monday, 08 June 2015 09:21

Spanish Air Traffic Control Strikes This Week: Minimal Disruption Expected

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Air traffic control strikes not expected to cause major disruption in Gran Canaria Air traffic control strikes not expected to cause major disruption in Gran Canaria

Despite silly newpaper headlines about "travel chaos", Spanish air traffic control strikes this week are largely symbolic and not expected to cause significant delays.

The strikes take places on the 8, 10, 12 y 14 of June between 10.00 and 12.00 (09.00 and 11.00 in the Canaries), and 18.00 y las 20.00 (17.00-19.00 in the Canaries). Each strike lasts two hours and the controllers will carry out 70% of their work during the strike periods.

This is the first official air traffic control strike in Spain since 1989 although the infamous wildcat strikes of 2010 caused huge disruption and even closed Spanish airspace. These mini strikes are related to the 2010 events as unions and government are still arguing over who was to blame.

Disruption to flights heading to and from the Canary IThe 2010 walkout ended when the Government used emergency powers to force the controllers back to work.slands is expected to be minimal during the mini-strikes. At worst we expect short delays as flight companies jiggle their schedules to avoid them. 

Unions have refused to rule out further similar mini-stoppages in the future if their demands aren't met.

Source: La Provincia online newspaper article (in Spanish)

More info: Air Traffic Management website

Read 8527 times Last modified on Monday, 08 June 2015 20:44
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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

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    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

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    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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