Travellers should be aware that Portugal is experiencing a nationwide strike, which could lead to delays and last-minute changes to travel plans. The general strike, scheduled for Wednesday, 3 June, will impact various sectors, including transport, education, health, and public services. This strike, organized by Portugal’s largest union CGTP, is expected to cause widespread disruption across the country.
Among those participating in the strike are rail workers, cabin crew, and public transport staff—sectors that directly affect holidaymakers. At airports throughout the country, strike action is anticipated to impact hundreds of flights. Ricardo Penarróias, president of a cabin crew union representing flight attendants at TAP Air Portugal, stated that 500 flights were at risk of cancellation or delay. TAP, Portugal’s national airline, confirmed that only 79 flights will operate, with the rest of the day’s schedule cancelled.
Air Europa has cancelled all flights between Madrid and Lisbon and Porto. Union officials have indicated that flights operated by easyJet and Ryanair may also be affected. However, Ryanair has stated that it does not anticipate any disruptions to its operations. The strike is a response to proposed labour reforms that would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and remove caps on outsourcing, according to unions.
TAP has said it is rebooking travel options for affected passengers who have not yet changed their bookings. Jet2 has also advised passengers to prepare for longer queues and potential flight disruptions. The strike is expected to impact ground handling services, cabin crew, and airport staff, increasing the likelihood of delays, cancellations, and extended waiting times.
A union representing pilots has chosen not to participate in the strike. This is the latest in a series of disruptions caused by the EU’s new EES (Entry/Exit) system, introduced in October 2025 and fully implemented on April 10. Biometric border checks, which apply to all UK passport holders travelling through Europe, have led to long delays across the continent.
In April, holidaymakers faced extreme challenges at Milan’s Linate airport, where a queue described as “from hell” left some passengers vomiting and fainting. Around 100 easyJet customers were stranded due to delays caused by the border checks. Yvonne Moynihan, head of Wizz Air UK, warned passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours in advance. Since October, nearly 80 million entries and exits have been recorded, with 35,000 refusals of entry noted. This process is expected to become even more challenging due to the strikes in Portugal.
What else will be affected?
The general strike will impact a wide range of sectors, from transport to education, health, and public services. As a result, travellers should be prepared for potential unavailability of basic services and essential care on the day of the strike. Additional strike actions across Portugal include public sector and social sector workers, teachers, retail staff, industrial workers, hospitality workers, and members of the Journalists’ Union.
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