Latest news and stories about transport disruptions in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portuguese airports faced significant operational instability on April 19, resulting in 233 flight delays and 6 cancellations. Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon was the most impacted, with 188 delays, while Porto also experienced substantial disruptions. Authorities attributed the logistical issues to a combination of air traffic control failures and weather conditions.
Low-cost bus operator Flixbus is accusing the Rede Nacional de Expressos (RNE) of violating the law by blocking its access to the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon. Flixbus claims a recent court ruling grants them immediate entry, while RNE argues the decision allows them to evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. Travelers should be aware that the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) has proposed new legislation to prevent bus operators from managing terminals used by their competitors.
Iniciativa Liberal and João Cotrim de Figueiredo tend to draw support from urban, economically liberal voters — often professionals, entrepreneurs and higher‑income residents in cities like Lisbon and Porto — who prioritise lower taxes, deregulation and individual freedoms. The party also attracts some younger voters and expatriates who favour pro‑market policies and a smaller state role.
The president of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP) comments on the negative impact of flight cancellations.
Airlines operating in Portugal warn that flight cancellations and increased ticket prices are likely if the current crisis continues.
The Middle East war risks causing fuel shortages at air hubs on the continent, with flights already being canceled.
The Association of National Road Passenger Transport Companies (ANTROP) warns that public transport operators might be forced to cut back on services.
Public transport services remain unavailable in many regions of the country as of 4 PM.
The injunction filed by Menzies challenging the handling tender for Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports, won by the Clece/South consortium, will have suspensive effects. Sitava, the largest union in the sector, admits it may challenge the tender to defend workers.
The company explains that the challenge relates to the structure and the way the tender process, promoted by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), was conducted.
The Passengers' Committee reports that the situation has worsened since 2025, with daily train delays and operations at very reduced speeds, as well as frequent breakdowns.
The consortium that won the licences to operate at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports must submit data to ANAC by this Monday proving they have the staff and equipment to provide the service. As a result, they are attempting to recruit volunteers in Spain, offering guaranteed housing and meals to those who accept.
Rail services on the Douro Line, between Régua and Pocinho, have resumed today after being suspended due to Storm Kristin on January 28, according to a source from CP - Comboios de Portugal. CP stated that “between the stations of Marco de Canaveses and Régua, a replacement bus service will continue due to modernisation works by IP - Infraestruturas de Portugal.” As a result of the storms that have affected mainland Portugal since January 28, services on the Oeste Line and Beira Baixa Line remain suspended, with only Regional trains operating between Castelo Branco and Guarda and between Entroncamento and Abrantes. Nineteen people have died in Portugal due to the impacts of storms Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta, which also caused hundreds of injuries and displacements. More than half of the fatalities occurred during recovery efforts. The main material consequences of the storm include the total or partial destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, fallen trees and structures, road closures, school and transport service interruptions, and cuts to power, water, and communications, as well as flooding. The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions were the most affected.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses, and equipment, the falling of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools, and transport services, and the cutting off of electricity, water, and communications are the main material consequences of the storm. The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions are the most affected.
Home News Storm causes power outages, rescues, and widespread transport disruptions Storm causes power outages, rescues, and widespread transport disruptions Severe storms leave over 80,000 without power and cause hundreds of incidents in Portugal By TPN, in News · 05 Feb 2026, 15:31 · 0 Comments
According to data available on the Madeira airport's website, by 7:45 AM, 11 departures and 11 arrivals of flights had already been cancelled.
The CGTP union reports significant participation in the general strike, which has led to school closures and disruptions in transport and health services.
The general strike is having an impact on transportation services.
CP and the Lisbon Metro anticipate significant disruptions in service due to the general strike on Thursday, with the railway operator announcing minimum services and the Metro declaring a complete closure of stations between 06:30 and 01:00 on Friday.
CP warns of impacts already this Wednesday and Lisbon's Sapadores Firefighters are operating with minimum services
CP is warning customers of possible disruptions starting this Wednesday due to the general strike scheduled for Thursday, December 11, which may continue until Friday. The company has also published the list of minimum services expected for urban, regional, and long-distance trains. In a notice published on its website, ...
Due to a strike called by the unions for December 11, disruptions in train services are expected, with possible impacts also on the day before and the following day," CP announced.
The transport company informed that it will refund customers who have already purchased tickets for affected journeys.
The general strike on Thursday may cause disruptions in several sectors, even with the minimum services decreed. Transport, Health, and Education will largely be paralysed in Portugal, marking the first strike uniting the two trade union confederations in the last 12 years.
Comboios de Portugal has declared minimum services for the general strike called for this Thursday, but admits “possible impacts” on circulation starting this Wednesday and continuing the day after the strike.
Minimum services for the general strike on December 11 have already been negotiated with the unions for TAP, SATA, and Menzies Portugal. The airline cancels the vast majority of flights but will operate 22 round trips, including to the islands, the diaspora, Brazil, and the USA.
