Portugal Airport Strikes to Disrupt Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, and Porto Santo: What Travelers Need to Know About Minimum Services in December 2025

Published on
December 26, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Portugal is bracing for a nationwide airport strike set to impact major travel hubs like Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Porto Santo from December 31, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The strike, initiated by ground-handling workers represented by the SITAVA and STHAA unions, is in protest of uncertainty over job security due to the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) tender for ground-handling licenses. The disruption is expected to cause significant delays in baggage handling, check-in services, and aircraft turnaround operations, affecting domestic and international flights.

Who is Affected by the Strike?

The strike will primarily affect ground-handling workers, who are responsible for a wide range of services such as check-in, baggage loading/unloading, and aircraft turnaround. These workers, employed by SPdH/Menzies (formerly Groundforce), handle the logistical operations at airports across Portugal. Affected airports include some of the country’s busiest travel hubs, such as:

• Lisbon (LIS)
• Porto (OPO)
• Faro (FAO)
• Madeira (FNC)
• Porto Santo (PXO)

Even though some flights may not be cancelled, passengers are advised to expect significant delays, especially in the areas related to baggage handling and other ground services.

What is the Official Strike Schedule?

The strike has been officially called by the unions for a period of 24 hours starting at 00:00 on December 31, 2025, and ending at 24:00 on January 1, 2026. The unions are protesting the uncertainty surrounding the ANAC tender for ground-handling services, which could transfer these services to a new consortium, causing concern among workers about job security.

During this period, ground-handling workers will halt their regular duties, leading to potential disruptions in the smooth operation of the airports.

What Minimum Services Will Be Maintained?

Despite the strike, the Portuguese Arbitration Tribunal (Tribunal Arbitral) has mandated the “minimum services” to ensure that essential operations continue, particularly those related to passenger safety and emergency flights.

Essential ServicesDetails Safety & Emergency Flights Flights related to safety of persons and goods, as well as emergency medical flights. State & Military Flights All state flights and military operations will be exempt from the strike. In-Progress Flights Flights already in the air at the time of the strike will be assisted upon arrival, ensuring smooth ground operations for their landing. Island Connectivity To maintain vital island connectivity, the government has guaranteed daily flights on key routes: Lisbon ↔ Ponta Delgada (Azores) 1 round-trip flight per day. Lisbon ↔ Funchal (Madeira) 1 round-trip flight per day. Lisbon ↔ Terceira (Azores) 1 round-trip flight per day.

What Can Travelers Expect During the Strike?

While the “minimum services” decree will ensure that emergency and state flights are unaffected, general air travel will likely experience delays due to disruptions in baggage handling, check-in services, and aircraft turnaround. Travelers flying through Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Porto Santo airports should expect the following:

1. Delays in Check-In and Baggage Handling: Ground-handling staff will be on strike, which will affect the speed and efficiency of check-in and baggage loading/unloading.
2. Flight Delays and Cancellations: While some flights may still operate, passengers should be prepared for delays in both domestic and international flights.
3. Increased Wait Times: Due to limited services, travelers are advised to expect longer wait times for essential services.

Official Recommendations for Travelers

ANA Aeroportos de Portugal and the Ministry of Infrastructure have issued the following guidelines for travelers planning to fly during the strike period:

RecommendationDetails Check-In Early Arrive at the airport at least 3 to 4 hours before your international flight to account for potential delays. Hand Luggage Only If possible, avoid checking luggage to bypass the strike-affected baggage handling services. Monitor Flight Status Use the official ANA Aeroportos website or your airline’s app to stay updated on real-time flight statuses and changes. Know Your Rights For passengers affected by delays or cancellations, refer to the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) for information on rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.

Conclusion: Preparing for the 2025 Portugal Airport Strike

The December 2025 airport strike in Portugal will likely disrupt major air travel hubs in the country. Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Porto Santo airports will experience significant delays as ground-handling workers protest against the uncertainty caused by the ANAC tender. The minimum services mandate will ensure that essential flights and services remain operational, but passengers are strongly advised to prepare for potential delays in airport processes.

Travelers planning to fly through these airports should take the necessary precautions, such as arriving early, carrying only hand luggage, and closely monitoring their flight status. With these steps, travelers can minimize the inconvenience caused by the strike and continue their journeys as smoothly as possible.