Around 500 easyJet flights are set to be impacted as the airline's Portugal-based cabin crew walk out from Friday, October 2, to Tuesday, October 6. The strike action has already led to the cancellation of two return flights from Manchester Airport to Portugal.
Strike details and affected routes
According to the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel union, approximately 500 flights are expected to be affected. The dispute centres on worsening working conditions, frequent changes to duty rosters, and pressure on employees to work overtime, as reported by The Portugal News.
The walkout 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 these destinations to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Airline response and passenger options
easyJet has confirmed that two return flights from Manchester Airport to Portugal have been cancelled. While the airline has not specified which flights are affected, it has stated that impacted customers have been contacted directly and offered options including a free transfer or a refund.
In a statement, easyJet said: "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."
When asked whether any flights between Portugal and Liverpool would be delayed or cancelled, a spokesperson said "no flights to and from Liverpool have been impacted" by the strike action.
Compensation for affected passengers
Passengers affected by the disruption could be entitled to compensation, according to AirHelp, a leading flight compensation and passenger rights organisation. The full story is available via the Liverpool Echo.
