Upcoming airport worker strikes in Portugal: how travellers could be affected

If you’re planning to travel to or within Portugal this summer, it’s important to be aware of planned airport worker strikes that may disrupt your journey. Unions representing ground handling staff at all major Portuguese airports have announced strikes across five weekends, starting in late July and continuing throughout August 2025. Additionally, SATA Air Açores cabin crew will stage a separate weeklong strike in July, affecting inter-island flights in the Azores.

Why are airport workers in Portugal striking?

Ground handling workers (SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce) are striking over:

• Base salaries reported to fall below Portugal’s national minimum wage.
• Non-payment of agreed night shift and unsocial hours compensation.
• Access to employee parking under previous agreements.
• The company’s failure to honour a Memorandum of Understanding promising salary increases through 2026 and €2.5 million in back pay following the transition from Groundforce to Menzies.

When are the strikes happening?

Ground Handling Workers (SPdH/Menzies):

• First strike: Friday, 25 July 2025 at 00:00 until Monday, 28 July 2025 at 23:59.
• Four additional strike weekends will take place throughout August 2025, dates to be confirmed, coinciding with the peak of summer travel.

These strikes will affect all airports across mainland Portugal and the islands, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, and Porto Santo.

SATA Air Açores Cabin Crew:

• Strike dates: Friday, 18 July 2025 – Thursday, 24 July 2025.
• Affects domestic flights within the Azores, including routes to São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial, and other islands.

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How might these strikes affect your travel?

• Delays: Check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing may be slower, creating longer queues and potential late departures.
• Cancellations: Airlines may cancel or consolidate flights if staffing levels are insufficient.
• Missed connections: Delays on the ground could impact tight transfer times.
• Baggage delays: Baggage claim could be particularly affected during the strikes.

Essential safety services will be maintained, but significant disruption to baggage processing and boarding is expected.

What should travellers do to prepare?

• Check your flight status regularly before departure and sign up for your airline’s notifications.
• Arrive early at the airport, even with hand luggage, as check-in and security queues may be longer than usual.
• Use online check-in and pack carry-on luggage if possible to avoid bag drop queues.
• Plan for extra time between connections in case of delays.
• If flying between the Azores islands, consider ferries for shorter routes (e.g., Faial–Pico) during the SATA strike.
• Carry water and snacks, as queues may restrict access to services.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

Under EU Regulation 261/2004:

• If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a refund or re-routing at the earliest opportunity.
• If your flight is delayed by over 3 hours, you may be eligible for compensation unless the airline can demonstrate that the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances. Strikes by airport ground staff and airline crew typically do not exempt airlines from compensation claims, but this can vary.
• Keep receipts for food, accommodation, and transport incurred due to delays, as you may claim reimbursement.

Should you change your plans?

There’s no need to cancel your trip to Portugal, but being prepared is key. With SATA cabin crew strikes (18–24 July) and SPdH/Menzies ground handling strikes (25–28 July and four weekends in August), you should expect potential disruption across all major Portuguese airports and inter-island flights in the Azores during the busiest part of summer.

Check your flight status, arrive early, and keep essentials in your carry-on so you can adjust if your plans change at the last minute. By staying informed and flexible, you can still enjoy your summer in Portugal while navigating any delays calmly.