Portugal Airport Strikes Threaten Holiday Travel Season

Portugal Airports Face Widespread Strikes Impacting Holiday Travel Lisbon, Portugal Travelers heading to Portugal are advised to prepare for significant disruptions as baggage handlers at several major airports have announced a series of strikes extending from September 2025 through early January 2026. The industrial action is expected to affect key travel hubs including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. The planned strikes are scheduled to occur every weekend from September 3rd until mid-December. Additionally, specific strike periods have been designated for the peak holiday season, running from December 19th, 2025, to January 2nd, 2026, encompassing both Christmas and New Year. The primary impact for passengers is anticipated to be substantial delays at baggage claim, particularly for those traveling between Friday and Monday. Authorities and travel experts recommend that individuals planning trips to Portugal during these periods consult their airlines for the latest updates before flying. Furthermore, travelers are encouraged to allocate extra time for potential delays and consider adjusting their travel dates to midweek to circumvent the most affected days. The strikes highlight ongoing labor disputes within the aviation sector, posing challenges for both airlines and passengers.