(PORTUGAL) A nationwide general strike in Portugal on Thursday, December 11, 2025 is set to shut down most air traffic across the country and hit Spain–Portugal routes especially hard, with Air Europa cancelling all flights between Madrid and Portugal, Iberia slashing services by up to 75%, and TAP Air Portugal warning it will run only about one‑third of its normal schedule.
What the strike covers and who’s affected
The walkout, called by unions representing a wide range of public and transport workers, will affect every major Portuguese airport, including Lisbon, Porto and Faro, as well as links to the Azores and Madeira.
For travelers holding Schengen visas or facing tight immigration deadlines, the strike could mean missed entries, overstays, or broken connections to long‑haul flights onward to the United States or elsewhere in the Schengen Area.
Airline-by-airline impact
Below is a concise summary of the main carriers’ published plans for December 11, 2025.
| Airline | Expected action on Dec 11 |
|---|---|
| Air Europa | Cancel all 16 flights between Madrid‑Barajas and Portugal (8 to/from Lisbon, 8 to/from Porto). Offering free date changes until December 18, route changes, vouchers, or full refunds. |
| Iberia | Reduce services by up to 75% on Porto–Spain routes and 50% on Lisbon–Spain routes; many flights will be removed or run at much lower frequency. |
| TAP Air Portugal | Operate about one‑third of normal flights, focusing on legally required “minimum services.” Some links to the Azores, Madeira, Brazil, and the 🇺🇸 United States will be kept, while most other services may be cancelled or heavily delayed. |
Union leaders warn it will be “very difficult to operate flights” on December 11, signaling that even carriers not yet listing major cancellations could struggle.
Passenger protections and airline policies
- Air Europa: Affected passengers can change travel dates free of charge until December 18, request route changes, accept vouchers, or get full refunds.
- Iberia: Has opened special rebooking windows; many flights will be cut or rescheduled.
- TAP Air Portugal: Asks customers to update contact details so the airline can send timely schedule updates.
For general passenger rights in Europe, consult the official EU guidance: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/passenger-rights/air_en.
Immigration, visas, and legal risks
Travel agencies report a surge of calls from travelers with urgent immigration or visa‑linked travel, such as students validating residence permits or workers due to start jobs in Spain. Although the strike is a labor dispute inside Portugal, it can directly affect lawful-stay requirements that depend on fixed travel dates.
- Missed entry/deadline consequences:
- Re-applying for visas or entry approvals
- Loss of job start dates or university registration
- Potential overstays or need to explain late arrival to immigration authorities
Lawyers advise keeping detailed records of all airline communications and cancellation notices as evidence if you must justify a late arrival.
Useful link for the Schengen visa application form: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2016-05/ce-visa-application-form_en.pdf
Practical travel advice and suggested actions
Airlines are urging passengers booked for December 11, 2025 to check flight status immediately through airline apps or websites. If possible, avoid traveling that day.
Recommended steps:
1. Check flight status immediately and often.
2. Rebook early if you have flexibility — airlines are offering rebooking windows.
3. Keep written confirmation of rebookings, cancellations, and any vouchers or refunds.
4. Update contact details with carriers so they can reach you promptly.
5. Document all communications in case you need to show proof to immigration officials.
VisaVerge.com notes that travelers from outside Europe should rebook early because they may need extra days to rearrange visas, employer approvals, or onward connections.
Alternative transport and visa considerations
Some travelers are switching to land routes. High‑speed rail and long‑distance buses between Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and other Spanish cities are expected to be busier than usual.
Important reminder:
– A valid Schengen visa is required for entry regardless of travel mode (air, rail, or road).
– Changing to rail or bus does not remove visa or entry-date obligations.
Airport conditions and expected disruptions
Airport officials say terminals could be crowded even with fewer flights, as passengers who cannot change plans may still show up hoping their flight operates.
Likely conditions include:
– Long security and border‑control lines
– Fewer passport booths handling both EU and non‑EU passengers
– Bunched flight windows causing congestion
For Spanish and Portuguese citizens the main effects are delays and missed leisure trips. For third‑country nationals, disruptions may change the course of study plans, work permits, or family reunions that depend on timely entry stamps and compliance with short‑stay limits.
Why the strike is happening
Union leaders argue that pressure on working conditions and pay in the aviation sector has been building for years, and that a strong strike is necessary to force change. Airlines say they are trying to balance respect for legal labor action with their duty to passengers, especially those traveling long distances or for life‑changing reasons.
Key takeaway
December 11, 2025 is a high‑risk day to fly to, from, or via Portugal. If you are affected, move flights forward or back by several days where possible, secure written confirmations from airlines, and keep proof of cancellations to protect your travel plans and immigration status.
Plan early, document everything, and use alternative routes only after confirming visa and entry requirements.
A nationwide Portuguese strike on Dec. 11, 2025 will shut down most air traffic. Air Europa canceled all 16 Madrid‑Portugal flights, Iberia will cut services up to 75% on Porto and 50% on Lisbon routes, and TAP will operate roughly one‑third of flights focusing on minimum services. Major airports, Azores and Madeira links are affected. Travelers with Schengen visas should check statuses, rebook where possible, document airline communications, and confirm visa obligations before using alternative land routes.
