Published on
September 5, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
Portugal’s airports are facing significant disruptions once again as ground-handling staff employed by Menzies Aviation, previously known as Groundforce, have initiated a new wave of strike action. This industrial action, organized by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) and the Transport Union (STA), began on September 3, 2025, and is set to continue until January 2, 2026, spanning a total of 76 strike days. Travelers flying to and from Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores airports are advised to prepare for significant delays and disruptions throughout this period.
The strike will cause widespread issues, especially during peak travel times such as long weekends, the Christmas period, and New Year holidays. The action follows months of prior disruptions in July and August, which led to flight cancellations, delays, and baggage handling failures, with some flights departing without passenger luggage and travelers reporting long queues and missed connections.
The Scope of the Strike
The ongoing strike action affects several major Portuguese airports, including those in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. The union-led strike is anticipated to impact a wide range of ground-handling operations, from baggage handling and check-in services to aircraft marshalling and fueling. The disruptions will be felt throughout September 2025 and will intensify during peak holiday periods such as the Christmas holidays and New Year.
The strike schedule is comprehensive, with multiple weekends and holidays planned for disruption, including:
- September 3–9, 2025
- September 12–15, 2025
- September 19–22, 2025
- September 26–28, 2025
The action will continue into October, November, and December, culminating in an extended strike from December 19, 2025 to January 2, 2026. Passengers should expect widespread delays, cancellations, and potential problems with checked luggage, as the strike will significantly affect ground-handling operations across Portugal’s busiest airports.
The Impact on Flight Operations
The strike will likely cause major delays and flight cancellations at Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Azores airports. Ground-handling staff are responsible for numerous essential services at airports, and their absence has a direct impact on the timely departure and arrival of flights. Travelers have already experienced lengthy queues, delays, and missed connections in previous months, and the situation is expected to worsen during the upcoming strike periods.
Airlines operating in and out of Portugal are likely to be affected by the disruptions. Passengers should be prepared for possible delays to their flights, particularly during busy travel periods such as weekends, holidays, and the Christmas season. Airlines are expected to issue updates and rebooking options as the strike progresses. Travelers should check their flight status regularly and consider booking flexible tickets or considering carry-on luggage as checked baggage may be subject to delays.
Government Measures to Mitigate the Impact
To reduce the impact of the strike, Portugal’s Arbitration Court has imposed minimum service levels, including:
- 100% of ground services for flights between mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira.
- At least 35% of services will be maintained for other international flights departing from Portuguese airports.
These minimum service requirements are intended to ensure a degree of operational continuity, especially for essential flights. However, union leaders argue that these measures will weaken the overall effectiveness of their strike and reduce their bargaining power, given that many flights will still be subject to limited ground-handling services.
Why Are the Strikes Happening?
The strikes are being organized by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) and the Transport Union (STA), representing ground-handling workers employed by Menzies Aviation. The workers are demanding higher wages, compensation for night shifts, and full respect for existing labor agreements. The dispute centers around improving the terms and conditions for workers who perform vital services at airports, often under demanding conditions.
Despite the disruptions caused by the strikes, union representatives have expressed a willingness to engage in further negotiations with the government and employers to address their concerns. However, until an agreement is reached, the strike will continue to affect ground-handling services across Portugal’s major airports.
Travelers Prepare for Disruptions
Given the extensive nature of the strike and the anticipated disruptions, travelers are advised to take the following measures:
- Check Flight Status Frequently: Regularly monitor your flight’s status via your airline’s website or mobile app to stay updated on potential delays or cancellations.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to allow for additional time to navigate any delays caused by the strike.
- Travel with Carry-On Luggage: If possible, consider traveling with carry-on luggage to avoid potential issues with checked baggage.
- Flexible Travel Plans: If possible, consider flexible travel plans and ensure you have insurance coverage in case your flight is delayed or canceled due to the strike.
- Stay Informed: Follow local news and updates from Portugal’s airports for the latest information regarding the strike and any changes to flight schedules.
Significant disruptions to air travel
The ongoing strikes at Portugal’s major airports, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores, are expected to continue causing significant disruptions to air travel through January 2026. With 76 strike days planned and multiple peak periods of travel affected, passengers should be prepared for delays, flight cancellations, and issues with baggage handling. To minimize disruption, travelers are encouraged to check flight statuses, arrive early, and consider flexible travel arrangements. The minimum service levels imposed by the Arbitration Court will help maintain some operations, but the impact of the strike will still be felt across Portugal’s busiest airports.
