Portugal airport strike spans 76 days to January

Published on Sep 3, 2025, 9:00 am CDT

5 min read

Ground-handling staff at Menzies in Portugal have launched a new wave of strikes that will run on alternating dates from September 3 to January 2, 2026. Two unions, SIMA and STA, say 76 strike days are planned, targeting long weekends, Christmas, and New Year to maximize leverage. Minimum services ordered by the national arbitration court will keep most airport operations running, but travelers should expect periodic delays for check-in, baggage, and turnarounds. The first stoppage runs from September 3 to September 9.

Key Points

Why it matters: Prolonged labor action could snarl flights into the winter holidays.
Travel impact: Minimum services near 80 percent reduce cancellations, delays still likely.
What's next: Further strike windows follow on alternating weekends through January 2, 2026.
Airports: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO), Madeira (FNC), Azores gateways.
Unions' stance: SIMA calls the court decision "the utmost impudence," vows to press demands.

Snapshot

The arbitration court of the Economic and Social Council set legally binding minimum services for the Menzies strike from September 3, 2025, to January 2, 2026. Unions argue the ruling compels around 80 percent of normal operations, undermining the walkouts. The first window runs September 3 to September 9, followed by additional multi-day stoppages through the fall and winter. ANA Aeroportos warns of possible disruption at Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) and advises passengers to confirm flight status before heading to the airport. Expect longer lines and slower baggage delivery nationwide.

Background

Ground handling in Portugal, including ramp, baggage, and passenger services, is performed by companies such as SPdH, branded as Menzies Aviation. SIMA and the Transport Union STA say members are seeking an end to base pay below Portugal's minimum wage, better wages overall, and proper night-hours compensation. The unions staged actions in July and August, then paused late last month during talks with the Ministry of Labour, which they say yielded no concrete progress. With a fresh strike notice, they have mapped out 76 days of action through early January. Airports named in prior advisories include Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), Faro Airport (FAO), and key island gateways.

Latest Developments

Minimum services near 80 percent, unions object

The arbitration tribunal's August 29 decision defines minimum service levels for the entire strike period, requiring coverage the unions say equates to roughly 80 percent of normal operations. SIMA argues the ruling turns the strike into a "farce," while the court frames the measures as necessary to protect essential mobility. With most flights still planned, the practical impact will concentrate on slower turnarounds, sporadic delays, and baggage handling. Travelers should still build buffer time for connections and consider carry-on-only packing where possible.

Strike calendar targets weekends and holidays

The launch window runs September 3 to September 9, then resumes September 12 to 15, September 19 to 22, and September 26 to 28. October and November bring additional alternating stoppages, with the final window covering December 19 to January 2. The pattern overlaps long weekends and peak holiday periods, a common tactic in Europe's transport labor disputes. U.S. travelers should watch airline channels and the U.S. Embassy's routine message for updates, particularly for flights touching Lisbon or Madeira.

Analysis

Minimum services mean the majority of flights should operate, particularly at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). However, constrained staffing at check-in, gates, and on the ramp tends to ripple into late departures, missed bags, and extended waits at reclaim. Island operations are more exposed because fewer flights are available to absorb disruption; ANA has already cautioned about Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). The rolling, weekend-heavy schedule will keep airlines conservative with schedules, often pruning turnarounds with narrow buffers. Leisure carriers and short-haul European operators typically feel the pain first, then network carriers as knock-on delays mount. For travelers, the best protections are flexible tickets, early departures on strike days, and minimizing checked baggage. For continuity, see our prior coverage of Portugal's summer handling strikes, which previewed many of the same operational pinch points. Read Portugal Airport Ground Handling Strike Hits August and Portugal airport strike: five summer weekends of disruption ahead.

Final Thoughts

Portugal's airport disruption will not be a one-day story. The alternating schedule through January 2 creates a drumbeat of pressure points that may snare your itinerary even when your exact travel date is not a strike day. Build slack into connections, track airline notifications closely, and consider hand baggage where feasible. If you must check a bag, add time at origin and destination for delays. With minimum services in place, most flights will operate, but reliability will vary throughout each window of the Portugal airport strike.