Portugal is bracing for months of travel disruption as ground-handling staff at its major airports have announced a series of strikes stretching from September 2025 through January 2026. The walkouts, organized by two major unions, will affect services at Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores, raising concerns for both local travelers and international visitors during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year.
The industrial action stems from disputes over working conditions, job security, and pay. Union representatives argue that despite a sharp rise in passenger numbers and airline revenues, staff wages and benefits have not kept pace. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and easyJet are expected to feel the immediate impact, with many flights facing delays or outright cancellations as baggage handling, check-in, and other essential services are disrupted.
The Scope and Timing of the Strikes
The strikes are scheduled to roll out in phases, covering long weekends and peak travel dates, including the Christmas and New Year holidays. This timing is likely to create maximum disruption, with families and tourists caught in the middle of ongoing negotiations. Previous walkouts in Portugal have led to thousands of stranded passengers, and officials anticipate similar chaos if talks between unions and management fail to produce an agreement.
The government has already announced a contingency plan requiring minimum services. Flights between mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores must continue without interruption, while a 35 percent minimum service requirement applies to other international routes. Even so, industry observers warn that reduced staff numbers will inevitably create bottlenecks at security, baggage, and boarding, slowing operations across the country’s airports.
How Travelers Can Prepare
For travelers with upcoming trips to or through Portugal, preparation is crucial. Airlines are urging passengers to monitor their bookings closely and check for updates before heading to the airport. Arriving early for flights may help avoid last-minute stress, although extended wait times are likely. Passengers are also encouraged to review their rights regarding compensation for cancellations and significant delays, as European Union regulations provide clear protections in these scenarios.
This situation also echoes what we saw recently in Spain, where a wave of summer airport strikes caused major headaches for holidaymakers. At TravelCapybara, we covered how those strikes highlighted the importance of planning ahead, especially when flying during peak seasons. For travelers moving between Iberian neighbors, the back-to-back labor disputes serve as a reminder that staying flexible and informed is now part of the modern travel toolkit.
Local tourism officials remain concerned about the broader impact on Portugal’s image as a top European destination. With Lisbon and Porto among the continent’s most visited city break spots, and Faro, Madeira, and the Azores drawing strong seasonal demand, the strikes could cast a shadow over the winter holiday period. Yet unions remain firm in their stance, insisting that without better working conditions, disruptions will continue well into the new year.
