Travelers heading to or from Portugal on December 11, 2025, should brace for widespread flight cancellations and major delays, as a nationwide general strike is set to disrupt operations at all major airports and across public services.
The stoppage, called by Portugal’s main trade-union confederations in protest over proposed labor-law reforms, is expected to affect aviation, public transport networks, schools, public administration, ports, and metro systems.
The warning was first issued by the SNPVAC cabin-crew union, whose president, Ricardo Penarroias, has cautioned that it will be “very difficult to operate flights” during the strike.
According to SNPVAC — the Portuguese National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel, representing about 5,000 cabin crew at TAP Air Portugal and other carriers — the strike will ground most flights, with only minimum services guaranteed.
Disruptions are expected not only in the air but also on metros, trains, buses, ferries, and other public services across Portugal. Travelers connecting to the Azores or Madeira should pay special attention, as minimum-service flights will be few and may not align with leisure travel needs.
In the latest development, TAP Air Portugal has announced full schedule adjustments for December 11 and begun cancelling flights in advance. The airline is offering passengers the option to rebook at no additional cost to any date within three days before or after the strike (December 8–14 window for most itineraries), with changes available via TAP’s website, mobile app, or authorized travel agencies.
TAP has also reached agreements to guarantee a limited set of minimum-service flights to key destinations in continental Portugal, the islands (Azores and Madeira), Europe, the United States, and Brazil, though availability will be very restricted.
“It will be very difficult to operate flights on December 11. We expect the vast majority of scheduled services to be cancelled, with only minimum operations ensured,” said Ricardo Penarroias, President of SNPVAC
A spokesperson for Portugal’s Ministry of Infrastructure has acknowledged the challenges while urging calm, emphasising, “The government respects the right to strike and is monitoring the situation closely. Contingency plans will be activated to guarantee essential services and support travellers affected by the stoppages.”
A statement issued by TAP Air Portugal reiterated that assisting passengers is its priority. “Our priority is to assist passengers with flexible solutions. We strongly encourage all customers flying on December 11 to verify their itinerary in advance,” the statement said.
Travellers are strongly advised to adjust their travel dates whenever possible, avoid flying on December 11, allow extra time for potential disruptions before and after the strike, and closely monitor airline alerts and airport updates.
Those who must travel on or around the strike date should check their booking immediately, use available fee-free rebooking options, and be prepared for last-minute changes to flights and ground transportation.
This story was originally published on 24 November 2025 and has since been updated.
PAJ/Staff
