Portugal faces three major strikes starting next month, bringing widespread disruptions that include flight cancellations. This follows widespread demonstrations across Europe over cost of living concerns.
EasyJet staff plan one of the largest flight-related strikes in December. Cabin crew in Portugal will walk out for the second time from December 19 to December 23. A previous similar strike resulted in the cancellation of more than 400 flights.
This industrial action will impact flights leaving from busy airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. UK airports with easyJet flights to Portugal include Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Another strike by the airline's cabin crew in Portugal took place in October, disrupting hundreds of flights.
An easyJet spokesperson stated, "We are extremely disappointed that SNPVAC is planning strike actions despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue."
The representative added, "We had just started a conciliation process through the mediation of DGERT with the aim to reach an agreement to meet our employees' requests and protect the sustainability of easyJet business in Portugal."
The airline also mentioned, "The current union demands are unworkable especially given that our crew are already paid significantly above the Portuguese national average."
Portugal might experience a general strike on November 11, happening at the same time as a planned strike in Spain. Simultaneous demonstrations will form what is called an Iberian general strike. Participation details are still under discussion, though reports indicate a nationwide stoppage.
The Frente Comum of Public Administration Unions announced another nationwide strike in Portugal a few weeks later. This action protests the proposed 2027 State Budget and will cause nationwide disruption. Public administration sectors including schools, healthcare, and administrative services will likely face significant impacts.
