If you’re flying to or within Portugal this summer, we wanted to put some scheduled airport strikes on your radar. The biggest disruption will come from SPdH/Menzies workers (formerly Groundforce) who will go on strike for five weekends this summer. Their walkout will affect ground operations such as check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing at all airports across mainland Portugal and the islands. The Metallurgical Industries and Related Industries Union (SIMA) confirmed the action in a formal strike notice confirming that the first strike will occur from midnight at the beginning of July 25 to midnight on July 28 from Friday to Monday. Four more strike weekends will follow throughout August right at the peak of summer travel.
The strike stems from a series of unresolved issues. Ground workers claim their base salaries fall below the national minimum wage, and they are demanding not only better wages but also the fulfillment of night shift payments and access to employee parking under previously agreed terms. Additionally, the union is pressing for the company to honor a Memorandum of Understanding signed during its transition from Groundforce to Menzies Aviation. That agreement promised salary increases through 2026 and the payment of more than €2.5 million in outstanding compensation. These are terms that workers say have not been met.
Although essential safety services will be maintained, travelers should expect significant delays or cancellations, especially during baggage processing and boarding procedures.
SATA Cabin Crew Walkout to Disrupt Azores Flights
On a separate front, SATA Air Açores cabin crew will stage a weeklong strike from July 18 to 24, which threatens domestic air traffic between the nine islands of the Azores archipelago. Around 60 crew members, represented by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), are demanding a long-overdue pay raise and improvements to working conditions, particularly on the airline’s aging fleet of Dash 200 planes.
Union president Ricardo Penarróias criticized SATA for what he describes as the company’s chronic undervaluing of its crew. He noted that the current proposal on the table falls short of bridging the gap between their pay and that of other airline employees in the group. Penarróias also raised safety and comfort concerns over the Dash 200 aircraft, which he called “terrible” due to unbearable heat and high noise levels on board.
“The company has been slow to take bold steps to address the working conditions,” he said. “They could have already reduced flight times or invested in equipment to alleviate the situation, but they haven’t.”
With the strike covering nearly an entire week in July, travelers hoping to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, and other islands may need to rethink their plans or prepare for last-minute changes. As of now, SATA has acknowledged receipt of the strike notice but has not disclosed whether negotiations will take place to avoid the strike.
What Travelers Should Do
If you’re flying to, from, or within Portugal this summer, now is the time to check your flight dates and plan for contingencies:
- Review your airline’s policies on cancellations and rebookings. Low-cost carriers often offer fewer protections and flexible options compared to legacy airlines.
- Book direct flights whenever possible to avoid missed connections that could be affected by delays on the ground.
- If you’re flying between Azores islands, consider ferry alternatives, especially between closer destinations like Faial and Pico.
- Arrive at the airport EARLY, even if you’re only traveling with carry-on luggage. Baggage handlers and check-in agents are among those striking, so queues could grow unexpectedly long. Make sure that you always have water with you, as water is often inaccessible when stuck in long lines.
- Monitor your airline’s communication channels for updates closer to your travel dates.
These strikes highlight a growing pattern of labor unrest within Portugal’s aviation sector, especially in the wake of pandemic-era financial stress, privatization efforts, and corporate restructuring. While travelers may feel frustrated by delays and disruptions, the workers argue that they are fighting for basic dignity and respect in their roles, many of which are underpaid and physically demanding.
TL;DR
Expect strikes from SATA cabin crew (July 18–24) and SPdH/Menzies ground workers (July 25–28 and four weekends in August). All major Portuguese airports will be affected, as will inter-island flights in the Azores. Plan ahead, stay informed, and allow extra time for delays.
