If you’re planning a trip to Portugal this summer, there’s good news: the planned airport strikes have been cancelled, ensuring smoother travel for passengers flying to or from the country.
The Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has officially withdrawn its strike notice for ground handling services provided by Menzies (formerly Groundforce). This follows a successful agreement between the union and the company’s management, reached at the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security.
In a formal letter to the company, SIMA confirmed that its members “will not strike” and declared the strike notice “ineffective” after the understanding reached between both parties and ministry representatives.
Strikes called off after previous disruptions
This announcement comes as a relief for travellers, especially after previous strike actions from 25–28 July and 8–11 August caused delays and disruptions at several Portuguese airports. The union’s demands had included:
- Ending basic wages below the national minimum wage
- Improved salaries for workers
- Proper enforcement of night shift pay and other labour rights
With negotiations now concluded, the strikes previously scheduled for 15–18 August, 22–25 August, and 29 August–1 September will not go ahead.
What this means for travellers
For tourists and residents alike, this cancellation means fewer flight delays, shorter queues, and a more relaxed travel experience during one of Portugal’s busiest holiday periods. Major airports such as Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO), and Madeira (FNC) are expected to operate normally.
Whether you’re arriving for a sunny Algarve getaway, exploring Porto’s wine cellars, or enjoying the cultural charm of Lisbon, your travel plans should now be free from strike-related disruptions.
Tip: Even with the strike cancelled, it’s still wise to check your flight status before heading to the airport and arrive early during peak summer dates.
Discover the Algarve's most beautiful fishing villages
What is the most beautiful village in the Algarve? We're about to find out as we explore the Algarve's most beautiful fishing villages – authentic coastal gems where tradition meets natural beauty.
Living in Tomar: life in the Templar city
Tomar feels as if it’s been plucked from a medieval epic and set down gently on the banks of the Nabão River. Located in the Santarém district, about 140km northeast of Lisboa, the magnificent Convento de Cristo might dominate the skyline, but daily life unfolds at a much more human pace down below. With a population of around 43,000 in the municipality, it has the feel of a proper town without the anonymity of a major city. Getting to grips with living in Tomar means understanding this bala
Living in São Miguel: life on the Azores' Green Island
As the largest and most populated island in the Azores, this speck of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic offers a life quite unlike any on the mainland. It’s not hard to see why it earned the nickname ‘Green Island’. The landscape is a brilliant patchwork of rolling pastures, volcanic crater lakes and lush forests. Living on São Miguel means a lifestyle tied to the rhythms of nature, where a relaxed pace and a deep connection to the outdoors are part of the daily routine.
Living in Ericeira: Portugal's World Surfing Reserve
Just a short drive up the coast from Lisbon lies Ericeira, a traditional fishing town that has earned its place on the global map. As Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, it's a spot where cobbled streets and blue-and-white houses meet a deeply ingrained, laid-back surf culture. For anyone considering living in Ericeira, it’s a place that offers a lifestyle dictated by the Atlantic tides, blending old-world Portugal with a modern, international feel.
Traditional food in Lisbon: what to eat in Portugal's capital
Lisbon’s food scene is a fantastic mix of the old and the new. You have tiny, traditional restaurants tucked down side streets, right alongside busy food markets where you can try a bit of everything. A top tip for eating well and saving some money is to look out for the prato do dia, or dish of the day.
Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food
Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, a mix of jagged volcanic peaks, incredibly lush valleys, and a rugged coastline where cliffs drop straight into the sea. This natural setting shapes the best things to do in Madeira; activities are less about sandy beaches and m
Traditional Portuguese food: 10 must-try dishes
Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, no trip is complete without tasting the country’s most iconic dishes.