What’s happening (and why “minimum services” still matters)
The strike is being called by SITAVA and STHAA, two aviation/airport unions, and is tied to uncertainty around the tender for ground handling licences and job security for the existing workforce. Portuguese media reports also reference the ANAC tender process and the government extending current licences until at least 19 May 2026 while the process continues.
Portugal’s arbitration framework has set minimum services for the strike period. In practice, that typically means certain protected categories (state, emergency, humanitarian, safety-critical operations, plus limited island connectivity) must still be handled—but it does not guarantee normal processing speed for regular passenger flights and bags.
Which airports and services are most likely to feel disruption
Because this is a ground handling strike, the biggest bottlenecks usually hit areas like:
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Check-in and bag drop staffing
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Baggage loading/unloading and belt delivery
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Aircraft turnaround tasks (which can cascade into departure delays)
Portuguese reporting describes the action as affecting “national airports,” so you should treat major gateways like Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO) as higher-risk—especially during peak departure banks on 31 Dec and 1 Jan.
If your itinerary includes the Azores or Madeira, pay extra attention to same-day connections: minimum service rules often include limited continuity for autonomous regions, but knock-on delays are still possible.
What travelers should expect (even if your flight isn’t cancelled)
Even with minimum services, New Year strike days can create “slow airport” conditions:
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Longer lines at bag drop and check-in
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Bags arriving late (or, worst case, misrouted)
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Late gate changes and tighter boarding windows
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Missed connections due to aircraft arriving behind schedule
If something does go wrong, Portugal flights fall under EU passenger-rights frameworks in many cases, but compensation depends on the cause and the exact situation. The practical move is to reduce your dependence on checked luggage and tight connection windows.
New Year strike survival checklist (do this in order)
48–24 hours before departure
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Recheck your booking for schedule changes and airline travel waivers (some carriers quietly allow free rebooking).
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If you can, switch to carry-on only for strike days.
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Screenshot your booking reference, ticket number, and baggage policy.
On the day
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Arrive earlier than usual, especially if checking a bag.
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Pack a “24-hour kit” in your carry-on: chargers, meds, essentials, one change of clothes.
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If you’re connecting through Lisbon/Porto on separate tickets, add a buffer or consider an overnight.
If the airport gets chaotic
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Use airline apps for rebooking instead of queueing where possible.
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If your flight still operates, be ready for late baggage even after landing.
If you’re also travelling elsewhere in Europe this winter, you may want to read our wider round-up of holiday disruptions: European Airport Strikes December 2025: Christmas Travel Disruption Guide.
What travellers should do before and on strike days
Even when flights operate, a ground-handling strike can slow check-in, baggage processing, and aircraft turnaround. The best way to reduce disruption is to plan for “slower airport” conditions and avoid anything that depends on perfect timing.
Before you travel (24–48 hours ahead)
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Check your airline’s app and email notifications for schedule changes, rerouting options, or travel waivers.
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If possible, travel with carry-on only. If you must check a bag, keep essentials (medication, chargers, a change of clothes) in your cabin luggage.
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Save your booking reference, e-ticket number, and customer service contacts offline (screenshots help if airport Wi-Fi is overloaded).
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Avoid tight connections, especially if you’re connecting through Lisbon, Porto, or Faro on separate tickets.
At the airport
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Arrive earlier than usual, particularly if you need to check a bag or collect a boarding pass at the counter.
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Expect longer queues for bag drop, security, and baggage reclaim—build time into your ground transport plan too.
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Keep an eye on gate changes and boarding times. Turnaround delays can trigger last-minute updates even if the flight is not cancelled.
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If you’re affected, use the airline app or online tools first. Rebooking lines can move slowly during peak disruption.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled
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Ask the airline for the fastest rebooking option and confirm whether your checked bag will follow you or needs to be collected.
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Keep receipts if you’re told to arrange your own meals or accommodation—this can help later if you need to claim costs back (rules depend on circumstances).
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If you rebook via a different airport or route, double-check entry/transit requirements for any new connection points.
Staying connected if plans change
Strike-day disruption often means rapid updates: gate changes, rebookings, new transport plans, and messages to hotels or hosts. Reliable mobile data makes it easier to manage changes in real time—especially when airport Wi-Fi is congested and SIM counters are crowded or temporarily closed.
If you want to be connected from the moment you land, consider setting up data before you travel. You can check Portugal eSIM plans here:
