EasyJet passengers in Portugal are facing disruption as the cabin crew are striking across the airline’s bases in Lisbon, Porto and Faro.

Members of the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) approved two strikes. The first runs from 2 to 6 October 2026, while the second is scheduled for 19 to 23 December.

The October strike was expected to affect around 500 scheduled flights, according to SNPVAC estimates. The figure covers flights operating from EasyJet’s Portuguese bases but does not represent 500 confirmed cancellations, as minimum service requirements have been imposed for some routes.

People at Lisbon Airport | Source: Vacaywork

The strike comes during a very busy period for Portuguese airports. The October strike overlaps with the long weekend surrounding Portugal’s Republic Day on 5 October, potentially increasing pressure on available flights and alternative travel options.

On the morning the strike began, Flightradar24 data showed 99 flights delayed at Lisbon Airport, adding to concerns about disruption for passengers travelling through the capital.

What are cabin crew protesting about?

SNPVAC says the dispute is linked to a number of workplace concerns. These include: frequent changes to staff rosters, breaches of the company’s collective agreement, differences in treatment between crew and pilots, operational planning problems, and pressure on employees to work overtime due to staff shortages.

The union has argued that working conditions have deteriorated despite repeated warnings to the airline. In a statement, SNPVAC said, "Successive schedule changes are not aviation; they are a lack of respect for the workers and their family life.”

Porto Airport terminal | Source: AirMundo

EasyJet has rejected the union's position. The airline said it was “extremely disappointed” by the strikes and argued that the union's demands were "unworkable". It also said Portuguese cabin crew are paid above the country's national average and that it would work to reduce the impact on passengers.

Although SNPVAC initially estimated that approximately 500 flights could be affected, authorities have since established minimum services for the October strike.

Portugal’s Directorate General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT) confirmed that certain connections must continue operating during the walkout. These include services involving Lisbon, Porto and Faro, as well as flights to destinations including Funchal, Porto Santo and several other European cities.

Faro Airport | Source: Algarve Tips

For passengers with bookings during either strike period, checking their flight status before travelling is particularly important. Those travelling from Lisbon, Porto or Faro should also be prepared for possible timetable changes and consider alternative arrangements if their flight is cancelled.

With the October action already underway and the December strike still scheduled, the strikes could continue to affect EasyJet passengers in Portugal through the end of the year.