Passengers flying from Manchester Airport to Portugal in the coming days could face disruption due to strike action by easyJet cabin crew. The industrial action, by crew based in Portugal who are members of the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel union, is expected to take place from October 2 to October 6. This coincides with a bank holiday in Portugal on October 5.
Flights affected and further strikes
The action is set to impact flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, all of which are served by easyJet from Manchester Airport. Further strike action is expected just before the Christmas period, from December 19 to 23.
According to the union, the first strike is expected to impact around 500 flights, while the second one will have an even greater impact during the festive period. Among the issues in the dispute are worsening working conditions, frequent changes to duty rosters and pressure placed on employees to work overtime, The Portugal News reports.
Passenger rights and compensation
Those due to travel could be entitled to compensation, according to AirHelp, a flight compensation and passenger rights organisation. They explain that under UK261 regulation, strikes outside of an airline’s control – such as air traffic control, airport security or baggage handlers – are seen as extraordinary circumstances, however 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 passengers face significant delays between the UK and Portugal. The delay would need to be three hours or more for the threshold to be met.
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.
With strike action planned for October and December, particularly during the busy Christmas travel period, being informed and well prepared is essential to ensuring passengers receive what they are entitled to.”
Advice for affected passengers
Passengers are urged to do the following if their flight is cancelled: check flight status and airline communications before travelling to the airport; if a flight is cancelled, check whether a refund or an alternative flight has been offered; 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. easyJet has been contacted for comment.
