Spain govt to investigate Iberia on Barajas delays

MADRID, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The Spanish government said on Sunday it would open an investigation into flag carrier Iberia's (IBLA.MC) treatment of passengers who suffered delays and cancellations at Madrid's Barajas airport this weekend.

Heavy snowfall closed Madrid's international airport for part of Friday and left it at half capacity for most of Saturday, adding to weeks of disruption of Iberia's services because of industrial action by its pilots.

Thousands of travellers were stranded at the airport over the weekend, standing in long lines and sleeping on the ground as they awaited information on flights which were seriously delayed, the Spanish press reported.

"We've had reports of conduct (by Iberia) toward its passengers that is unacceptable," Public Works Minister Magdalena Alvarez told reporters on Sunday.

Passengers on Iberia flights to Buenos Aires, Lima and Montevideo staged angry protests at their treatment on Saturday.

In a statement late on Sunday, Iberia said it would fully comply with the government's investigation.

The airline announced court action against its pilots' union Sepla in December, alleging union members were disrupting flights without the union calling official strike action.

Iberia is claiming 13 million euros ($17.50 million) in damages from Sepla for disruptions to its services from Dec. 4 to 31. (Reporting by Tracy Rucinski, editing by Tim Pearce)