Portugal is preparing for widespread travel disruption on 11 December as a nationwide general strike is expected to paralyse major transport networks and halt most flights.
Approximately half of the country’s workforce is expected to participate in the walkout, which would affect metros, trains, buses, and airline operations. National carrier TAP has already begun cancelling flights and has warned of limited services during the strike period.
The strike will be the country’s first general walkout since 2013. It has been called by Portugal’s two main unions, CGTP and UGT, in protest against proposed labour law reforms by the minority right-wing government. The reforms would expand the list of services required to operate during strikes, increase the duration of fixed-term contracts, and make it easier for employers to dismiss workers.
Airlines cancel flights and prepare for limited operations
TAP has confirmed that it will operate a reduced schedule of legally mandated minimum services. The airline plans to run three return flights to the Azores, two to Madeira, and one return service each to Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau. Long-haul routes will include three return flights to Brazil and two to the United States.
The SNPVAC cabin crew union, which represents approximately 5,000 TAP crew members along with employees from easyJet, Ryanair, and Azores Airlines, has signalled that additional cancellations are likely. Ricardo Penarroias, President of SNPVAC, said it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike.
Impact extends to Azores and mainland connections
Azores Airlines and SATA are expected to operate a combined 25 flights covering routes between the islands and connections to the mainland. Ground handling company SPdH will support these flights, and ANA, the country’s airport operator, has committed to maintaining “strictly necessary means” to uphold minimum legal operations, according to Lusa News.
While some carriers have reached temporary agreements with unions to allow a reduced schedule, most other flights in and out of Portugal are expected to be cancelled. Travellers planning to fly during the strike period are encouraged to rebook or delay their trips if possible.
TAP is offering passengers the option to change their travel dates free of charge to any time between 8 and 14 December. Changes can be made via the airline’s website, mobile app, or through travel agencies. Passengers have been notified in advance, though further schedule adjustments may still occur as the strike date approaches.
The strike will also affect ground transportation across the country. Disruptions are expected on metro systems, regional trains, and public bus services, with many workers in the health and education sectors also joining the strike.
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airline passengers affected by cancellations retain certain rights. Travellers may choose between a refund or rebooking and are entitled to meals, accommodation, and care during extended delays. Compensation rules vary: when strikes involve airline employees such as pilots or cabin crew, the Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled they are not considered “extraordinary circumstances.” In such cases, airlines may be required to compensate passengers if the cancellation is not announced at least 14 days in advance.
However, strikes by airport or air traffic control staff may fall under extraordinary circumstances, where compensation may not apply, although assistance obligations remain. Travellers are advised to monitor flight status updates, retain receipts for any expenses incurred, and rebook as early as possible to avoid disruption.
The general strike represents a major challenge for Portugal’s transport infrastructure and tourism sector, particularly as the country enters the winter travel period. Final details and decisions from unions and airlines are expected to continue evolving ahead of the 11 December action.
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