Portugal experienced major travel disruption on Wednesday, June 3, as a nationwide strike by trade unions led to the cancellation of 658 flights, according to official data. The strike, called to protest proposed labour reforms that would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and outsource services, affected airports across the country.
Flight Cancellations by Airport
Out of 1,472 flights scheduled to Portuguese airports, 658 were cancelled, representing 44.7% of all planned operations. At Lisbon Airport, 408 of the 658 scheduled flights were grounded, equivalent to a 62% cancellation rate. The second-highest percentage of cancellations occurred in Ponta Delgada, where 41% of 118 flights did not take off, according to airport operator ANA. In Porto and Faro, nearly a third of flights were cancelled, while in Madeira, 23% of 102 flights were scrapped. Local media reported that most cancellations were announced in advance, allowing passengers to be notified and flights rescheduled.
Airline Responses
EasyJet had warned customers ahead of the strike, stating: "Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme. We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected. While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause." Ryanair, however, confirmed it would not be affected by the walkout.
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPAC) reported that of 508 scheduled flights, 329 were cancelled, representing 65% of operations planned for June 3. The strikes also impacted public transport and other services across the country, marking the second such action in six months over the government's proposed labour reforms.
