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Portugal is set for travel disruption on 11 December as a nationwide general strike could paralyse transport networks and ground most flights.
About half of Portugal’s workforce is expected to join the walkout, likely leading to delays on metros, trains and buses, as well as widespread disruption in the sky.
National carrier TAP has already begun cancelling services and notifying passengers, warning that operations will be limited to legally mandated minimum services.
More cancellations may be coming, as Ricardo Penarroias, president of the SNPVAC cabin crew union, has warned it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike.
Why is Portugal striking?
This will be Portugal’s first general strike since 2013, when the country had to slash public spending to receive international aid.
Portugal’s two main unions, CGTP and UGT, have called the walkout this time to protest the minority right-wing government’s planned labour law reforms.
The proposal would make it easier for employers to dismiss staff, lengthen fixed-term contracts and expand the list of services that must remain operational during strikes.
Public-sector staff, teachers, health workers and transport employees are expected to participate, including airline cabin crew union SNPVAC. The union represents around 5,000 TAP crew members, as well as staff for easyJet, Ryanair and Azores Airlines.
Which flights will operate during Portugal’s strike?
While flight services will be largely grounded on Thursday, some airlines have reached agreements with unions that will allow a limited schedule to run.
TAP will operate three return flights to the Azores, two to Madeira and one return service to each of the following destinations: Belgium, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau.
It will also operate three return flights to Brazil and two to the United States.
The airline is allowing passengers to move their trip up to three days before or after 11 December (8-14 December) at no extra cost via its website, app or travel agencies.
Meanwhile, Azores Airlines and Sata – popular carriers for travellers going to and from the Azores – will run a combined 25 flights, covering both mainland-island links and routes between the islands.
Handling company SPdH will work these flights while airport operator ANA has said it will ensure “strictly necessary means” to maintain the legally required minimum operations, Lusa News reports.
Most other flights are expected to be cancelled.
What to do if your flight is affected
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers retain their rights even during a general strike.
Travellers whose flights are cancelled can choose between a refund or rebooking, and they are entitled to meals, accommodation and care during extended delays.
Compensation rules vary. The EU Court of Justice has held that strikes by airline staff, such as pilots or cabin crew, are not considered “extraordinary circumstances”. That means airlines are usually required to compensate passengers if the cancellation is not announced at least 14 days in advance.
Strikes by airport or air traffic controllers may count as extraordinary circumstances, in which case compensation might not apply, though assistance rights do.
With the strike looming, travellers should monitor airline alerts, keep receipts for any expenses and rebook as early as possible if they hope to avoid disruption.