Holidaymakers heading to Portugal and Italy are being warned of significant travel disruption as two major strikes are set to hit airports and transport networks next week. In Portugal, a general strike on June 3 against labour reforms is expected to cause widespread cancellations, with reports suggesting up to 500 flights could be scrapped. Cabin crew, ground staff, and air traffic controllers are among those taking part, affecting airlines including easyJet, TAP, and SATA.
EasyJet has warned of potential disruption to its flights and is assessing the impact. TAP and SATA are allowing passengers to rebook flights on June 3 at no extra cost. The strike is also expected to disrupt trains, ferries, metros, and buses across the country. The Portuguese Hotel and Restaurant Association has expressed deep concern, warning that the strike could exacerbate losses in the hospitality sector, which is already suffering from border control issues.
Meanwhile, Italy faces a 24-hour nationwide transport strike from 9pm on May 28 to 9pm on May 29. The walkout involves major rail operators such as Trenitalia, Trenord, and Italo, as well as airport, metro, and bus services. Long-distance routes connecting Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Naples are expected to be among the worst affected. Protected operating periods are in place for commuters between 6am and 9am and 6pm to 9pm, and flights are guaranteed between 7am and 10am and 6pm to 9pm.
Unions in Portugal are still negotiating minimum services, so the exact number of cancellations remains unclear. However, the Civil Aviation Pilots' Union has decided not to participate in this strike, unlike the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Crew and the ground staff union Sitava. The CGTP called the strike after talks with the government over labour law changes broke down.
