Most flights to and from Portugal are expected to be grounded on the 11th, with national carrier TAP already cancelling services ahead of a sweeping general strike that threatens to paralyse the country’s transport network.
Airlines are warning of “very limited operations” as around half of Portugal’s workforce is tipped to join the 11 December walkout, affecting cabin crew, airport staff, public transport workers, teachers and health employees. The SNPVAC cabin crew union – representing roughly 5,000 TAP crew members as well as staff at easyJet, Ryanair and Azores Airlines – has cautioned it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike.
What’s flying?
- TAP will run only its legally mandated minimum services. These include:
- Three return flights to the Azores
- Two return flights to Madeira
- One return service to each of: Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau
- Three return flights to Brazil
- Two to the United States
- Passengers booked for 11 December can change travel dates for free to any day between 8–14 December via TAP’s website, app or through a travel agent.
Meanwhile Azores Airlines and SATA will jointly operate 25 flights, maintaining mainland–island connections and inter-island services.
Why the strike?
The action marks Portugal’s first general strike since 2013. The country’s two major unions, CGTP and UGT, have called the walkout over the minority right-wing government’s proposed labour reforms, which would make it easier for employers to dismiss staff, extend fixed-term contracts and widen the list of essential services required to operate during strikes.
Significant delays or cancellations across the country’s metros, buses and rail services are also expected throughout the day.
