Travellers warned of strikes at Portuguese airports

The UK Foreign Office and airlines have warned travellers flying to Portugal about disruption caused by strikes at airports.

The industrial action took place on August 8-11 and is due to be staged on other weekends this month.

The FCDO advisory for Portugal said: “Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during the months of July and August may cause delays. If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator.”

A statement by TAP Air Portugal on its website reads: “Due to a strike called at the company that provides passenger and baggage handling services to TAP at Portuguese airports, some flights are expected to be disrupted during the following strike periods: August 8 to 11; August 15 to 18; August 22 to 25; August 29 to September 1.

“TAP regrets the situation and is working actively to minimize the inconvenience caused.

“Before heading to the airport, we recommend that you check the status of your flight here. If it is confirmed, check in online and go to the airport in advance, avoiding taking checked luggage with you.”

A similar statement on the website of Azores Airlines also warns of disruption “due to the strike called by Menzies Portugal Unions at Portuguese airports”.

“For this reason, we request that you preferably carry your baggage in the cabin,” it continued.

“We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience caused by this situation, beyond Azores Airlines’ control.”

Lisbon airport website has an alert about the “strike by the handling company Menzies, who assist several airlines, including TAP”, warning that “some constraints may occur”.

Elsewhere, the Independent newspaper noted that strikes at 12 airports in Spain are similarly disrupting travel plans this summer.

“More than 3,000 workers at Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group, are set to walk out following a decision by the General Union of Workers (UGT),” reported the newspaper.

“Airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela are due to be affected by action on 15, 16 and 17 August. Strikes will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 31 December 2025.”

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.”