The strike, which took place as European schools closed for the summer, was the latest stop by European airline workers demanding better conditions.
By 20:00 (18:00 GMT), 54 flights had been canceled and more than 300 delayed, with Barcelona and Malaga airports worst affected, according to the USO union.
Although Ryanair said all scheduled flights would operate, the airline “did not call full crew” at some airports.
Advertising banner |
“Crew members who were not called joined the strike, and those who were, went to the airports.. but there were not enough of them to operate the flights,” it said.
The strike by Ryanair crew in Spain, which has around 1,900 staff, affects 10 of the airline’s bases in the country and is due to last until July 2.
The airline previously said flight disruption due to the strike was “minimal” and affected only three percent of its Spanish flights.
Workers demanding better working conditions began an initial three-day strike on June 24, during which 129 Spanish flights were canceled, according to the union.
Ryanair is the airline that carries the largest number of passengers in the Spanish market, offering more than 650 routes to 27 airports, the company said.
The first strike in Spain coincided with protests by airline workers in Portugal, Belgium, Italy and France demanding labor rights and higher wages.
On Friday, staff at rival low-cost airline EasyJet will also strike for the first of three weekends in July, demanding equal working conditions with other European airlines.
READ ALSO: What are your rights if flights are delayed or cancelled?