easyJet has cancelled two return flights from Manchester Airport to Portugal ahead of strike action by its Portugal-based cabin crew. The walkout is scheduled to run from October 2 to October 6 and is expected to disrupt around 500 flights, according to the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel union.
Dispute details and affected routes
The union cites worsening working conditions, frequent changes to duty rosters and pressure on employees to work overtime as issues in the dispute. The action is set to affect flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, all of which are served by easyJet from Manchester Airport. The airline also operates flights from the same destinations to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
easyJet has not confirmed exactly which Manchester flights have been cancelled but said affected customers have been contacted directly and offered options including a free transfer or a refund.
Airline response and passenger advice
An easyJet spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed that the union representing our Portugal-based cabin crew has announced an industrial action from 2 to 6 October, despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue and reach an agreement to meet our employees' requests and protect the sustainability of easyJet business in Portugal.
“We are sorry for the impact the unnecessary action will have on our customers, and are doing all we can to minimise disruption, including cancelling two return flights from Manchester in advance to allow our customers to rearrange their travel plans. Customers have been informed directly and offered options including a free transfer or a refund. We advise customers travelling to or from Portugal between 2 and 6 October to check the status of their flight via our Flight Tracker.”
When asked by the ECHO if any flights will be delayed or cancelled between Portugal and Liverpool, a spokesperson said "no flights to and from Liverpool have been impacted" by the strike action.
Compensation rights and further action
Passengers affected by the disruption could be entitled to compensation, according to AirHelp, a flight compensation and passenger rights organisation. Under UK261 regulation, strikes outside an airline’s control – such as air traffic control, airport security or baggage handlers – are seen as extraordinary circumstances, but those involving an airline's staff are the responsibility of the airline.
This means passengers could be due up to £350 in compensation if easyJet cancels their flight, or if they face significant delays of three hours or more between the UK and Portugal. AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn said: “With the return of easyJet strikes in Portugal towards the end of the year, it’s important for passengers to stay ahead of the disruption and monitor their journey closely in the lead up to their departure.
“The key in these uncertain circumstances is to know your rights, stay well informed on your booking, and avoid waiting until the last minute to understand your options before accepting compensation or booking alternative routes. Airline strikes are not considered to be “extraordinary circumstances” therefore, delayed passengers are highly likely to be covered under UK261 and EU261. Where conditions are met, those impacted by a cancellation or major delay may qualify for compensation of up to £520 per person and eligible for a different flight, accommodation, food, and drinks if kept waiting.”
Passengers are urged to check flight status and airline communications before travelling to the airport, check whether a refund or alternative flight has been offered if their flight is cancelled, keep receipts for reasonable expenses incurred because of disruption, check eligibility for compensation under applicable passenger rights legislation, and allow extra time for connecting flights in case onward travel is affected. Further strike action is planned in the winter, from December 19 to 23.
