Holiday hell warning as Portugal faces ‘up to 500 flight cancellations’ in June

Holidaymakers face major disruption as Portuguese transport workers plan industrial action in June

Brits travelling at the start of the summer holidays are being warned to expect severe disruption as a major transport strike threatens to bring one of Europe’s most popular destinations to a standstill.

Airline cabin crew, rail staff and public transport workers across Portugal are preparing to walk out on Wednesday, June 3, in protest at proposed government reforms, prompting officials to urge holidaymakers to make contingency plans well in advance.

Up to 500 flights may be cancelled, while trains, ferries, metro services and buses are all likely to be affected, raising the prospect of widespread travel chaos at the height of the getaway period, reports the Mirror.

TAP Air Portugal is expected to be among the hardest hit, with its mainline and regional operations, Portugália and SATA, facing staff absences of up to 79 per cent, according to industry reports. Other airlines are also bracing for shortages that could disrupt services for thousands of passengers.

The personnel shortfall could prove problematic at the height of summer for Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair, as well as rival easyJet. Both airlines operate services from Portuguese airports.

Airlines are generally obliged to assist or compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled due to strike action and its circumstances.

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However, this depends on individual airline terms and conditions, with some not providing cover for strikes outside their control. This would include walkouts by airport or baggage handling staff.

Compensation also depends on the extent of a passenger’s travel insurance coverage. Such details should be easily accessible on the airline or insurer’s website. Those who book a flight during a period when industrial action has already been announced are unlikely to have any grounds for compensation.

Travellers are strongly advised to check whether any strikes are affecting their chosen airline, as well as both their departure and arrival airports.

Industrial action is primarily deployed as a bargaining tool in negotiations between trade unions and employers. There remains every chance that both parties will come to an agreement before any strike actually goes ahead.