In the competitive airline industry, corporate reputation depends not only on ticket prices or flight punctuality. The current Ryanair ground staff strike in Spain, which will continue until the end of the year, has tested its public image, its relationships with customers and employees, and its ability to manage a far-reaching crisis.
A labor conflict that transcends the operational
From August 15, 2025, the strikes called by UGT and CGT affect essential services such as check-in, baggage handling, refueling, and cabin cleaning at key airports. Although Ryanair maintains that there will be no “significant impact,” the perception of risk by passengers is sufficient to damage its Digital Reputation.
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Union accusations—disciplinary sanctions, wage discrimination, and obstruction of labor rights—become repeated headlines, reinforcing a negative narrative that travels faster than any company plane.
How it’s affecting your reputation
A prolonged conflict like this erodes three critical areas:
- Customer confidence: Travelers fear cancellations and delays, and opt for more predictable alternatives.
- Employer Image: Internal accusations reduce the ability to attract and retain talent.
- Continuous media coverage: Each new day of strikes keeps the brand’s association with the conflict alive.
In this context, tools such as the Reputation monitoring is essential for anticipating opinion trends and measuring the real impact on public perception.
Strategies that could have turned the tide
As experts in Online Reputation Management, we identified several measures that Ryanair was able to implement to mitigate the impact:
- Proactive transparency: Clearly and continuously communicate the status of the conflict and measures to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
- Visible mediation: Show willingness to negotiate and openness to neutral third parties to resolve the problem.
- Compensation protocols: Offer immediate solutions to affected customers, improving their experience even in an adverse environment.
- Protecting the brand narrative: Using positive communication campaigns to counter negative headlines and reinforce brand equity.
A correct strategy of Online Reputation Protection could have reduced the negative noise and kept customer trust intact.
A reminder for big brands
Cases like this demonstrate that reputation is as important an asset as revenue. High-profile companies should invest in How to Manage Your Online Reputation Before a Crisis Erodes Years of Brand Building
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Conclusion
The strike in Spain makes it clear that, in the airline industry, reputation management must be as agile as flight operations. Ignoring the emotional and media impact of a prolonged conflict is a mistake that can cost dearly. A solid strategy, supported by monitoring, communication, and action, is the only way to take off again with an intact image.
