Unfortunately, the Iberia chapter of SEPLA, the Spanish pilots' union, has confirmed in a news conference that there will be a strike on the 18th and 29th of December.

At Iberia we will avail ourselves of all means at our disposal to minimize the effects of this strike on our passengers. The Spanish Ministry of Development will next decide what percentage of flights are protected by "minimal service" guarantees.

As soon as we know these minimal service guarantees, we will reorganize operations and will announce affected flights. We will facilitate flight and date changes as well as ticket refunds so as to offer affected passengers travel alternatives.

We'd like remind everyone that normally all flights to the Balearic and Canary Islands are protected. More than 90% of long-haul flights are usually also protected, as are a good portion of short- and medium-haul flights.

We will keep you informed as the situation evolves. We will always seek the best solutions.

Regarding media reports of a possible Iberia pilots’ strike in December, we realize that many of you planning to travel with us during this coming month may be concerned about what may happen. Therefore we would like to share with you the latest information we have:

- At this time, the strike is not official but only a threat, so we still do not know if it will occur and if so, on what dates.

- If a strike should occur, a list of flights will be approved that will be insulated from any disruptions the strike may cause in the Iberia system. On previous occasions, such flights have included all those serving the Canary and Balearic Islands, a significant number of medium-haul routes, and almost all long-haul flights.

- We would also like to remind everyone that this would be a strike of pilots for Iberia Airlines only, and therefore would not affect flights operated by associated airlines Air Nostrum (IB8XXX), Vueling (IB5000) and codeshares (IB7XXX and IB4XXX).

- If a strike should in fact be carried out, we would of course supply all information and updates as we receive them, through our website, call centers, and social media channels. We will also make every effort to relax any restictions on fares, ticket changes, and reimbursements for passengers affected by schedule disruption.

Thanks to everyone.

Due to a Wednesday Nov. 30 immigration personnel strike at London Heathrow, Iberia is relaxing its change restrictions for all Heathrow flights. Passengers who want to avoid resulting entry delays may change their flights through their travel agents or Serviberia: http://ow.ly/7F77J