Portugal is set to experience significant disruption on June 3 as members of the Portuguese cabin crew union have voted to join a nationwide strike. The industrial action threatens to affect hundreds of flights and public transport services across the country.
Strike Details and Affected Airlines
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) announced that 79 per cent of its members approved the decision to strike. A union spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that flights operated by TAP, Portugal's largest airline, could be disrupted. TAP typically operates around 300 flights daily. Other airlines such as Portugália and SATA may also be impacted.
According to reports, up to 500 flights are at risk of cancellation or delay. The strike is part of broader protests against government reform proposals, which the union describes as an 'unprecedented attack on established rights'. The proposed changes would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and remove limits on outsourcing.
Public Transport and Other Sectors
Public transport will also be heavily affected. The Federation of Transports and Communications Syndicates (FECTRANS) is participating, along with unions representing the Lisbon Metro, Carris (Lisbon public buses), Carristur (tourism transport), Transtejo/Soflusa (ferries), Fertagus (railway), Porto and Mondego Metros, STCP (Porto public buses), and CP (Portugal railways). Doctors and other professionals are also expected to join the strike.
For international visitors, the main concerns revolve around flight and train disruptions. British travellers have been warned to prepare for serious delays, including potential four-hour queues at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Long queues have already been reported at Lisbon's airport.
The Daily Mail has contacted TAP for comment.
