LISBON— easyJet (U2) is preparing for possible major disruption after cabin crew based in Portugal approved strike action across two periods in October and December.
The walkouts are expected to affect operations at Lisbon Airport (LIS), Porto Airport (OPO), and Faro Airport (FAO), with around 500 scheduled flights potentially affected during the October action.
The first strike is scheduled for October 2 through October 6, while a second five-day walkout is planned for December 19 through December 23.
easyJet Portugal Strike Dates Confirmed
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) approved the industrial action following a dispute involving pay and working conditions for easyJet cabin crew in Portugal.
The union has raised concerns over working arrangements, staffing levels, schedules, and other employment conditions.
The October strike covers five consecutive days and coincides with a period when travel demand can increase around Portugal’s October 5 public holiday.
SNPVAC estimates that approximately 500 scheduled flights could be affected from the airline’s Portuguese bases during this period.
The precise number of cancellations will depend partly on minimum service requirements, which are expected to be negotiated separately.
The impact of the December action has not yet been determined, although the union expects disruption to be greater because the walkout falls during the busy Christmas travel period.
UK Flights At Risk From Strikes
The planned action could affect passengers travelling between the UK and Portugal, particularly those using services connected to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. easyJet has indicated that around 35 return flights involving the UK have already been impacted by the planned October disruption.
The airline has started taking measures to reduce the effect on passengers, including making some cancellations in advance.
This approach is intended to give affected customers more time to rearrange their journeys rather than facing last-minute changes at the airport.
EasyJet said it remains involved in discussions with the union and a conciliation process mediated by Portugal’s labour authority, DGERT.
The airline has also said it is disappointed by the planned strikes and considers the current union demands difficult to implement, The Sun reported.
Passenger Disruption And Travel Changes
Travellers booked on affected flights should monitor their booking information and airline communications as the strike dates approach.
Passengers may receive alternative travel arrangements or other options if their flights are cancelled.
The December walkout could create another significant challenge for easyJet because it falls immediately before Christmas, when the airline and airports typically handle increased passenger demand. However, the final scale of the December disruption remains unclear.
The Portuguese action follows other recent industrial disputes involving easyJet employees elsewhere in Europe.
Cabin crew in France staged strike action in August, while easyJet pilots in France also walked out in September during a separate pay dispute.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
