UK holidaymakers travelling to popular tourist hotspot warned of strikes at major airports
Brits travelling to Portugal this summer are being warned of strikes that may affect their flights. EasyJet, WizzAir, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, and British Airways passengers could encounter significant delays at the peak of summer travel due to planned strikes at all major Portuguese airports every weekend throughout August.
Portugal is one of the top five travel destinations for UK holidaymakers each summer, with direct flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh. According to Statista, the UK accounted for over 2.3 million visitors to Portugal, with more than half choosing the Algarve as their destination.
Staff from SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce, will be striking every weekend, affecting ground operations such as check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing. Although essential safety services will be maintained, travellers should expect significant delays or cancellations, especially during baggage processing and boarding procedures.
Ground workers claim their base salaries fall below the national minimum wage, and they are demanding not only better wages but also the fulfilment of night shift payments and access to employee parking under previously agreed terms.
Additionally, the union is pressing for the company to honour a Memorandum of Understanding signed during its transition from Groundforce to Menzies Aviation.
That agreement reportedly promised salary increases through 2026 and the payment of more than €2.5 million in outstanding compensation, terms that workers say have not yet been met.
The strike begins at midnight on July 26 and ends at midnight on July 29. The protest will be repeated during weekends in August, from 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 25, and 29 August to September 1.
Commenting on the strikes and passenger rights, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund says: 'British holidaymakers flying to Portugal this August with airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and others should be aware that while airline compensation under UK and EU regulations typically does not apply to delays caused by extraordinary circumstances like third-party strikes, travellers still have important rights.
"Airlines are legally obligated to provide care, including meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if delays extend overnight. If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than five hours, you're also entitled to a refund or rerouting, depending on your preference.
"We recommend passengers monitor flight updates closely and check with their airline for specific assistance arrangements during this period of industrial action.'
In an update on the FCO travel advice page for Portugal, the Foreign Office said: 'Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during the months of July and August may cause delays.
'If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator.'
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