Portugal is experiencing a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, 3 June, causing significant disruption to flights and public transport. The walkout, called by the country's largest union CGTP, affects sectors including transport, education, health, and public services.
At airports, cabin crew, ground handling staff, and airport workers are participating, leading to delays and cancellations. Ricardo Penarróias, president of a cabin crew union representing flight attendants at TAP Air Portugal, said 500 flights were at risk. TAP confirmed that only 79 flights would operate, with the rest cancelled. Air Europa has cancelled all flights between Madrid and Lisbon and Porto. easyJet and Ryanair may also be impacted, though Ryanair told The Independent it anticipated no effects.
Jet2 advised passengers to prepare for longer queues and disruption. The strike protests labour reforms that unions say would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and remove caps on outsourcing. TAP is rebooking affected passengers.
The strike adds to ongoing disruption from the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), fully rolled out on 10 April, which has caused long delays at borders. Travellers are advised to arrive at airports at least three hours in advance and expect possible disruptions to basic services.
