Summer travelers potentially face disruptions to their Portugal-bound trips in August, as airport strikes could disrupt flight schedules, threatening the success of their summer holidays.
Disruptions Cause Chaos in European Air Travel
Air travel in Portugal and Spain has been severely affected by a series of strikes by airport staff during August 2022, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and baggage handling issues.
The strikes in Portugal, led by ground staff from SPdH/Menzies, have caused chaos at the country's busiest airports. Airports in Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores have been significantly impacted, causing disruptions to flights during the summer season.
Notably, Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport cancelled over 70 flights during the first weekend of strikes, with subsequent strikes causing more cancellations, delays, and around 25 flights departing without checked luggage due to baggage-handling issues.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Portugal’s airport operator ANA have issued warnings urging passengers to check flight status before traveling, given the expected disruptions. TAP Portugal, the state carrier, was among the airlines affected. Menzies, the ground handling company, stated operations continued under contingency plans but disputes with unions remained tense.
The union accuses Menzies of promoting a distorted narrative based on unfounded allegations. Meanwhile, the company maintains plans to keep operations running and insists they respect the law and workers' rights.
The standoff between Menzies and the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has sparked a bitter public feud, with SIMA leader Carlos Araujo stating that the strikes were forced due to the intransigence of Menzies' management.
Spain has also faced ongoing airport staff strikes, with more than 3,000 workers at Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group, planning a walk-out at 12 airports from 15-17 August. Strikes are expected weekly through December, further contributing to travel challenges in Iberian airports during this period.
Italy and France have also experienced airport staff strikes, causing further disruptions. In France, air staff strikes have forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights, affecting over 1 million passengers.
Holidaymakers are advised to leave extra time at airports, monitor airline announcements, and expect delays at major hubs due to ongoing strikes. It serves as a reminder of how quickly holiday plans can be affected.
Sources:
[1] Portuguese airport strikes: nearly 70 flights cancelled in Lisbon
[2] Portuguese airport strikes: more than 1,000 flights cancelled
[3] Portuguese airport strikes: Ryanair passengers left without bags
[4] Spain braces for more airport strikes as summer chaos continues
[5] Airport strikes in Europe: what's happening and how to avoid disruption
*Despite the disruptions in European air travel due to strikes, some travelers might opt for a lifestyle focused on spontaneity and flexibility, viewing these unexpected events as opportunities for travel-related adventures.
*The ongoing airport staff strikes in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France have underscored the importance of integrating travel insurance into one's lifestyle, ensuring coverage for flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage during turbulent travel periods.
