Weekend airport disruptions scheduled throughout August in Portugal
In August 2022, UK holidaymakers planning trips to Portugal should be prepared for potential delays and disruptions, as industrial action by baggage handlers is set to impact major airports across the country. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning of possible delays due to the strikes.
Major UK airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways, have already reduced their flight capacity in response to the strikes. This reduction in flights is expected to have knock-on effects at major UK airports such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
The scheduled strike dates are from August 8-11, August 15-18, August 22-25, and August 29-September 1.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed over two hours due to the strikes, you are entitled to certain rights under UK and EU air passenger legislation, including Regulation EC 261/2004 (retained UK law known as UK261).
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund or re-routing to your destination at no extra cost. If your flight is delayed for more than two hours, the airline must provide meals and refreshments, and if the delay requires overnight waiting, accommodation and transport to/from the hotel must be provided. Airlines are also required to keep passengers informed of delays or cancellations and assist with rebooking or refunds.
Compensation payments for cancellations or long delays due to strikes are more limited, as strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control. However, assistance and refund/rebooking rights remain.
It is important to note that the strikes already have an impact on UK holidaymakers, with up to 60 UK flights a week at risk of delays or cancellations, affecting over 10,000 passengers. In the first round of strikes in July, several dozen flight cancellations were reported at Lisbon Airport, with planes departing without luggage or cargo.
The strikes are taking place every weekend across Portugal's main airports, including Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores. Travellers heading to Portugal this August may experience severe disruption due to the ongoing strikes by baggage handlers.
The strikes are being led by ground staff from SPdH/Menzies, who are walking out for five weekends in total, citing wage disputes, night shift payments, and staff parking as reasons.
Travellers are advised to closely follow airline and airport advice during the affected weekends, and to be prepared for longer waiting times, possible cancellations, or denied boarding situations. If you experience any disruptions, you should be aware of your rights under UK261 and EU261 rules, and seek assistance from your airline accordingly.
In light of the ongoing strikes by baggage handlers in Portugal from August 8-11, August 15-18, August 22-25, and August 29-September 1, those planning a travel-focused lifestyle might wish to reconsider their August holidays in Portugal, as these strikes could potentially impact their choice of destination and lead to potential delays or disruptions. Even if travelers decide to proceed with their plans, they should be aware that their lifestyle may need to accommodate unexpected changes, such as long waiting times, possible cancellations, or denied boarding situations.
