BUDGET airline Ryanair has urged the European Commission to step in to prevent a series of strikes by “selfish” Spanish airport workers.

A dispute involving AENA, the Spanish state-owned firm which runs Spain’s key airports, could mean a total of 22 days of stoppages, starting at Easter and spreading into the summer.

The strikes would begin on April 20 and continue into May, June and July.

AENA says baggage handlers and air traffic controllers will not be affected, but Ryanair is demanding EU action to prevent a repeat of the air travel industry misery which blighted flights across Europe last year.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport was unable to confirm how many of its flights could be affected because airlines are currently operating winter timetables.

But a spokesman said the strikes could have a significant impact on Liverpool travellers because Spanish destinations were still a popular choice.

Ryanair operates flights from Liverpool to Spanish mainland destinations Alicante, Girona, Malaga and Reus.

Rival Easyjet’s Spanish services from Liverpool include Alicante, Barcelona and Madrid.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, speaking in Madrid, said: “Europe’s airlines and passengers suffered at the hands of air traffic control providers throughout 2010.

“Now, ahead of yet another Spanish strike, Ryanair is calling on the EU to take action to prevent further strike action.

“Ryanair will not allow its passengers to be inconvenienced further by the selfish strike action by AENA workers.”