Infrastructure: Travel disruptions news in Portugal

Cabin crew for easyJet in Portugal have voted to strike from 2 to 6 October and 19 to 23 December over pay and working conditions. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (Sindicato Nacional do Pessoal de Voo da Aviação Civil or SNPVAC) warns that the October walkout could ground approximately 500 flights at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports.

Faro Airport is experiencing increased operational pressure following the implementation of mandatory biometric data collection for passengers arriving from outside the Schengen area. While the process is reportedly functioning smoothly at other major airports, the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or UNEF) is monitoring the situation in the Algarve. This new requirement follows the broader European Union decision to delay the full rollout of the new entry-exit system.

A cabin crew strike in France has forced EasyJet to cancel at least 40 flights over the weekend, including several connections between France and Portugal. The airline is currently contacting affected passengers to offer rebooking options or refunds as the industrial action continues.

Border control at Lisbon Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday after passengers from a flight arriving from Brazil disembarked in the wrong area. The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) confirmed that the error led to a mix of screened and unscreened passengers, necessitating a temporary halt to operations.

Update: Lisbon Metro Red Line suspended after pipe burst

Service on the Lisbon Metro Red Line was suspended between Chelas and the Airport following a pipe burst that flooded technical rooms. The incident caused a train to stall, leading some passengers to force doors open and walk along the tracks, forcing a complete shutdown of the line.

A 24-hour general strike called by the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP) is causing significant disruptions across Portugal today, June 3. The protest, which targets proposed labour law reforms, has grounded over 500 flights and halted Lisbon Metro operations. While the government maintains the reforms are necessary for economic competitiveness, unions and opposition parties argue the measures represent a regression in workers' rights.

Update: Parliament schedules debate on labour reforms for June 18

Following the day of industrial action, the Assembly of the Republic has officially scheduled the discussion of the government's contested labour package for June 18. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro criticized the strike as disruptive and unproductive, while union leaders reported high turnout across various sectors.

Transport workers across Portugal have announced a nationwide strike, expected to cause significant delays and cancellations for both rail and road services. Commuters and travelers are advised to check schedules in advance and seek alternative arrangements during the industrial action.

Travelers at Lisbon and Faro airports faced significant wait times for border control this Sunday morning. The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) attributed the delays to technical IT issues and high passenger volume, noting that operations have since returned to normal reference parameters.

Passengers at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport experienced significant delays at border control this Saturday due to technical and IT difficulties. Both the airport operator, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, and the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) confirmed that waiting times exceeded one hour for departures outside the Schengen Area.

The European Commission stated that initial constraints in the new European Entry/Exit System are normal, but emphasized that resolving these issues at airports is the responsibility of individual member states. The system, which came into force last Friday, caused significant delays at Portuguese airports over the weekend.

The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) suspended biometric data collection at departures in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports on Saturday morning to prevent passengers from missing flights due to excessive wait times. The system, part of the new European Entry/Exit System, resumed operations by the early afternoon. Officials confirmed that biometric collection remains active for all arrivals.

Update: Airport biometric data collection resumes after temporary suspension

PSP spokesperson Sérgio Soares confirmed that biometric data collection is now operating at full capacity for both departures and arrivals. The suspension was a contingency measure implemented after the new border control system caused significant queues, leading some passengers to miss their flights.

The government will extend the current ground handling licenses held by Menzies at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports. This decision follows an injunction filed by a competing company, with officials aiming to prevent potential operational issues during the busy summer season.

Infrastructure limitations at Lisbon airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa) have resulted in 12% of requested flight slots for the summer season going unfulfilled. The National Air Navigation (Navegação Aérea de Portugal or NAV) warned that these capacity constraints are penalizing the tourism sector. Travelers should note that the lack of slots may limit flight options and keep ticket prices high during the peak season.

Traffic remains restricted or suspended on several railway lines after recent bad weather, with CP reporting problems on the Northern, Beira Baixa, Beira Alta, Douro, Oeste and Coimbra Urban lines. Some sections are operating with reduced frequency or replacement buses while inspections and repairs continue. Expect delays and altered timetables on affected routes; check Comboios de Portugal's live updates before travelling and allow extra time for connections. Those travelling by train in the coming days should confirm services and ticket-change options.

Update: Correio da Manhã confirms continued constraints

Correio da Manhã reports the same lines remain affected and that inspections and repair work are ongoing; the outlet warns of continued delays and recommends checking operator updates for the named routes.