Portugal travel warning as strike could see up to 500 flights cancelled

Britons heading to Portugal should prepare for significant travel disruption this summer, as a looming transport walkout on June 3 could see up to 500 flights cancelled

Up to 500 flights to one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations could be axed this summer due to planned strike action.

An impending transport strike has led to travel officials advising those heading to Portugal to plan ahead, as airline cabin crew, railway staff and public transport workers intend to strike on June 3 in protest against proposed government reforms, the Mirror reports.

It’s understood that as many as 500 flights may be cancelled, while trains, ferries, city metros and buses are all likely to experience significant disruption. Cabin crew at TAP Air Portugal, alongside its regional operators Portugália and SATA, could see staff absences reaching 79%, according to Travel Tomorrow.

Airlines are generally obliged to assist or compensate passengers if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to strike action and its circumstances.

However, this depends on the airline’s terms and conditions, with some not covering industrial action outside their control. This would include strikes by airport or baggage handling staff.

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Compensation also depends on the extent of a passenger’s travel insurance cover. This information ought to 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 be entitled to any compensation.

Travellers are urged to check for any strikes that may be affecting their chosen airline, as well as both their departure and arrival airports.

Strike action is predominantly used as a bargaining tool in negotiations between unions and employers, and there remains the possibility that both parties could reach an agreement before any walkout actually takes place.