Published on
December 29, 2025
A strike by ground handlers at major airports in Portugal, scheduled for December 31 and January 1, is set to cause significant disruptions to holiday travel. The strike, involving thousands of workers, comes as a result of concerns over job security amid a tendering process for ground handling contracts. This action is likely to delay and cancel numerous flights during the peak travel period, creating chaos for passengers eager to travel for the holidays. With essential services only partially guaranteed by the court ruling, travelers are bracing for widespread impact on their plans.
A strike by ground handlers working for SPdH/Menzies in Portugal is expected to disrupt flights and holiday travel, with major implications for passengers during the busy holiday period. Scheduled for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, the strike will affect thousands of passengers, as ground handling services play a crucial role in ensuring smooth airport operations. These essential tasks include loading and unloading baggage, guiding planes on the tarmac, and preparing aircraft for departure.
Approximately 2,000 of the 3,700 SPdH/Menzies employees could be directly impacted by the ongoing tender process for ground handling services in Portugal. The unions representing these workers, Sitava (Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union) and STHAA (Handling, Aviation, and Airport Workers’ Union), have raised concerns about job security amid the tendering process for ground handling licenses. These licenses are issued by the government and allow companies to operate these vital services at airports.
The strike is already having a ripple effect on alternative travel options, with FlixBus reporting a surge in bookings for international routes to France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. The company stated that bookings for routes to Paris, in particular, have increased by around 50% from Lisbon and 25% from Porto. This surge in demand highlights how passengers are seeking alternatives as they anticipate delays and cancellations at airports due to the strike.
The timing of the strike, during the busiest travel season of the year, is expected to exacerbate travel disruptions, especially as Portugal is a popular destination for holidaymakers during the Christmas and New Year period. With thousands of passengers likely to face delays, the strike could cause significant inconvenience for travelers who had planned to fly during these crucial days.
Despite the anticipated chaos, a recent court ruling on December 23, 2025, has ensured that minimum services will still be maintained at airports. The court’s decision mandates that essential services, such as ground handling for state, military, emergency, humanitarian, and rescue flights, must continue during the strike. Additionally, at least one flight to Portugal’s autonomous regions, including Madeira and the Azores, will operate. Other essential services that are critical to the safety of passengers and aircraft, as well as the operation of airport facilities, will also remain in place during the strike.
Even though the government has extended current ground handling licenses until May 2026, unions are pushing for written guarantees that jobs will be protected. The unions argue that the ongoing tender process puts workers’ livelihoods at risk, particularly as a significant portion of the workforce could be affected by the potential changes to the licensing system. Unions are demanding assurances that no jobs will be lost during this transition.
Along with the strike on December 31 and January 1, multi-day strikes by airport personnel are expected to continue throughout December, impacting several airports across Portugal, including Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Porto, and the Azores. The continued industrial action will add to the uncertainty surrounding holiday travel, with travelers facing the possibility of additional disruptions to their flights.
For passengers planning to fly to or from Portugal during this period, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and to check with airlines for any potential flight cancellations or delays. Travelers may also want to consider alternative transportation options, such as trains or buses, especially for international routes that may see increased demand due to airport disruptions.
The upcoming strike by SPdH/Menzies ground handlers in Portugal is set to cause significant disruptions during a peak travel time. While essential services will be maintained to ensure the safety and security of passengers and aircraft, travelers should expect delays and consider alternative travel options. With the added uncertainty of ongoing strikes throughout December, passengers are advised to stay updated on the situation and plan their journeys accordingly.
