Portugal’s Aviation System Paralyzed by Ground and Cabin Crew Strikes

Portugal’s aviation system faces its worst disruption in years as ground handling staff and cabin crew strikes bring travel to a standstill. Starting July 18, 2025, and continuing through August, these strikes hit at the heart of the busy summer season, causing chaos for travelers, airlines, and the tourism industry, especially on routes between Lisbon and the Azores.

Widespread Disruption Across Portugal’s Airports

The first wave of strikes began on July 18, 2025, when SATA Air Açores cabin crew walked off the job, affecting all inter-island flights in the Azores. Just a week later, ground handling staff at all major Portuguese airports—including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, Porto Santo, and the Azores—joined in, launching a series of strikes that will continue through August and into early September.

Who Is Striking and Why?

Two main groups are involved:

• Ground Handling Staff (SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce):
  These workers are responsible for check-in, baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and other ground operations. Their strike, organized by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA), targets all major airports in Portugal 🇵🇹.
  Their demands include:
  • Ending base salaries below the national minimum wage
  • Payment for night shifts and unsocial hours
  • Continued access to employee parking under previous agreements
  • Full compliance with a Memorandum of Understanding signed after Menzies took over Groundforce, including salary increases through 2026 and payment of over €2.5 million in back pay
• SATA Air Açores Cabin Crew:
  Represented by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), about 60 crew members are striking on all domestic inter-island flights in the Azores.
  Their demands focus on:
  • Pay raises to match other airline employees in the group
  • Better working conditions, especially on older Dash 200 aircraft
  • Respect for existing labor agreements and improved institutional respect

Strike Schedule and Scope

• Ground Handling Strikes:
  • First strike: July 25–28, 2025
  • Four more strike weekends: August 8–11, August 15–18, August 22–25, August 29–September 1
  • All major airports affected, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, Porto Santo, and the Azores
• SATA Air Açores Cabin Crew Strike:
  • July 18–24, 2025
  • All domestic inter-island flights in the Azores impacted

Immediate Impact on Travelers

Travelers in Portugal 🇵🇹, especially those flying from Lisbon or connecting to the Azores, face major challenges:

• Delays and Cancellations:
  Hundreds of flights may be delayed or canceled each day during strike periods. Lisbon Airport, already strained by previous disruptions, is expected to be hit hardest.
• Baggage Issues:
  With ground handlers on strike, baggage processing slows down or stops. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal advise passengers to travel with carry-on luggage only.
• Missed Connections:
  Travelers with connecting flights, especially those needing to transfer between mainland Portugal and the Azores, risk missing their connections due to last-minute changes or cancellations.
• Essential Services Maintained:
  Safety and basic maintenance will continue, but most other ground operations will be limited.

Advice for Travelers

• Check Flight Status Regularly:
  Use official airport and airline websites for the latest updates. The ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal website provides real-time information.
• Travel Light:
  Avoid checking bags if possible. Carry-on luggage reduces the risk of lost or delayed baggage.
• Know Your Rights:
  Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed due to strikes may be entitled to rebooking, refunds, or compensation, depending on the situation.
• Contact Airlines Directly:
  For immediate help, reach out to your airline or travel agent. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal and SATA Air Açores have set up special advisories and customer service lines.

Airlines and Airports Under Pressure

Airlines and airports across Portugal 🇵🇹 are struggling to cope with the operational strain. They must:

• Adjust flight schedules and rebook thousands of passengers
• Manage increased customer service demands
• Handle financial losses from lost revenue and extra costs for rebooking and compensation
• Protect their reputation as travelers vent frustrations on social media and in the press

Union and Employer Perspectives

• Unions (SIMA and SNPVAC):
  Union leaders say strikes are a last resort after failed talks and broken promises. They stress the need for fair pay, better working conditions, and respect for labor agreements.
  “We are not asking for luxuries,” a SIMA spokesperson said. “We want what was promised—nothing more, nothing less.”
• Employers (Menzies and SATA):
  As of July 19, 2025, neither Menzies nor SATA Air Açores have issued detailed public responses or announced new negotiations. This silence has fueled worker frustration and increased public pressure for a solution.
• Travelers:
  Many travelers express anger and disappointment, especially those whose summer holidays or family visits have been ruined. “We saved all year for this trip,” said one family stranded at Lisbon Airport. “Now we don’t know if we’ll make it to the Azores at all.”

Quantitative Impact: The Numbers Behind the Crisis

• Ground Handling Strikes:
  All flights at Portuguese airports during strike periods are affected. Hundreds of delays and cancellations per day are expected, especially at Lisbon Airport, which recently saw 82 disruptions in a single day during a separate air traffic controllers’ strike.
• SATA Cabin Crew Strike:
  About 60 crew members are involved, impacting all inter-island flights in the Azores for a full week.
• Broader Disruption:
  Portugal 🇵🇹 was recently the sixth most affected country by European air traffic disruptions, with 24% of flights departing from Portugal impacted during a recent French air traffic control strike. This highlights how fragile the system is during labor unrest.

Background: How Did It Get This Bad?

• Groundforce Bankruptcy and Menzies Takeover:
  The roots of the current crisis go back to 2021, when Groundforce, Portugal’s main ground handling company, went bankrupt. Menzies Aviation took over, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that promised wage increases and back pay. Unions now claim these promises have not been kept, leading to the current standoff.
• SATA Labor Relations:
  SATA Air Açores cabin crew have long complained about low pay and poor working conditions, especially on older aircraft. Slow responses from management and a lack of progress on previous agreements have fueled worker anger.

Policy and Practical Implications

• For Travelers:
  The strikes mean real hardship for families, business travelers, and tourists. Missed connections, lost luggage, and ruined holidays are common.
  Airlines and airports are urging travelers to plan ahead, avoid checked bags, and stay flexible.
• For Airlines and Airports:
  The financial cost is high. Airlines lose revenue from canceled flights and must pay for rebooking and compensation. Airports face operational headaches and reputational damage.
• For Portugal’s Tourism Industry:
  Tourism is a key part of Portugal’s economy, especially in the summer. Prolonged strikes could scare off visitors and hurt the country’s image as a reliable destination.
• For Workers:
  The strikes are a gamble. Workers hope public pressure will force employers to meet their demands, but there is also a risk of backlash if the public blames unions for the chaos.

Legal Rights and Protections

Travelers affected by the strikes should know their rights under EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 gives passengers certain protections if their flight is canceled or delayed:

• Rebooking or Refund:
  If your flight is canceled, you can choose between a full refund or rebooking on another flight.
• Compensation:
  Depending on the cause and length of the delay, you may be entitled to compensation. However, if the strike is considered “extraordinary circumstances” outside the airline’s control, compensation may not apply.
• Assistance:
  Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if you are stranded for long periods.

For more information, travelers can visit the European Consumer Centre Portugal for guidance on passenger rights.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Portugal’s Aviation System?

• August 2025:
  Four more strike weekends are planned, coinciding with the busiest travel period of the year. Unless a deal is reached, further chaos is likely.
• Negotiations:
  As of July 19, 2025, no new talks have been announced. However, growing pressure from travelers, the tourism industry, and the media may force all sides back to the table.
• Potential for Escalation:
  If demands are not met, unions may extend strikes into September or take even stronger action.

Expert Analysis and Broader Implications

Aviation experts warn that the current crisis could have long-term effects on Portugal’s tourism and international reputation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, “If these strikes continue through the summer, Portugal 🇵🇹 risks losing its status as a top holiday destination. Airlines may also rethink their schedules or reduce flights to Lisbon and the Azores if labor unrest remains unresolved.”

The strikes also highlight deeper problems in the aviation sector, including:

• Low Pay and Poor Working Conditions:
  Many ground handlers and cabin crew earn less than the national minimum wage and work long, unsocial hours.
• Aging Infrastructure:
  Older aircraft and outdated airport facilities make working conditions harder and increase the risk of breakdowns and delays.
• Labor Relations:
  Years of broken promises and slow negotiations have eroded trust between workers and employers.

Solution-Oriented Steps for Affected Communities

While the situation remains tense, there are steps travelers, airlines, and policymakers can take:

• For Travelers:
  • Stay informed by checking official airport and airline websites.
  • Travel with carry-on luggage only.
  • Know your rights and be ready to claim compensation or refunds if eligible.
  • Be flexible with travel plans and allow extra time for connections.
• For Airlines and Airports:
  • Improve communication with passengers.
  • Offer flexible rebooking and clear information about delays and cancellations.
  • Work with unions to find a fair and lasting solution.
• For Policymakers:
  • Encourage all sides to return to the negotiating table.
  • Consider reforms to improve pay and working conditions in the aviation sector.
  • Invest in modernizing airport infrastructure and equipment.

Official Resources for Travelers

For the latest updates and assistance, travelers should use these official resources:

• ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal: Airport updates and passenger information
• SATA Air Açores: Flight status and customer service
• TAP Air Portugal: Travel advisories and rebooking
• Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA): Union updates
• National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC): Cabin crew union information

For help with passenger rights, visit the European Consumer Centre Portugal.

Conclusion: A Test for Portugal’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors

Portugal 🇵🇹 is facing a critical test as ground handling and cabin crew strikes threaten to paralyze travel during the busiest time of the year. The outcome will depend on whether unions, employers, and policymakers can find common ground and restore trust. Until then, travelers should prepare for continued disruption, stay informed, and know their rights. The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of Portugal’s aviation system and its reputation as a top travel destination.

Learn Today

Ground Handling Staff → Workers managing check-in, baggage, and aircraft servicing at airports during flight operations.
Cabin Crew → Flight attendants responsible for passenger safety and comfort during flights.
Memorandum of Understanding → An agreement between unions and employers outlining salary increases and working conditions.
EU Regulation 261/2004 → European law protecting passengers’ rights during flight cancellations or long delays.
Menzies Aviation → Company taking over Portugal’s ground handling after Groundforce bankruptcy, involved in current labor disputes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Portugal faces severe aviation chaos as coordinated strikes by ground handling and cabin crew disrupt flights, especially between Lisbon and the Azores, risking summer tourism and traveler plans amid stalled negotiations and rising tensions.
— By VisaVerge.com