On 11 December 2025, approximately half of Portugal’s workforce is expected to take part in a national strike. Those travelling within, to, or from Portugal should be prepared for major disruptions.
For the first time since 2013, a national strike threatens to take place in Portugal. Whereas in 2013, people walked out as the country had to slash public spending in order to receive international aid, now, the labour law reforms planned by the Portuguese minority right-wing government are a cause for concern.
Portugal’s two main unions, CGTP and UGT, are calling people to take part in the strike as the reform would make it easier for employers to dismiss staff members, while lengthening fixed-term contracts and expanding the list of services required to remain operational during strikes. Public-sector employees, teachers, health workers, and transport staff alike are expected to take part.
The U.S. Mission in Portugal informs U.S. citizens that there will be a nationwide strike across Portugal on December 11. It is expected to cause widespread disruptions across the country. Travelers and residents may face delays or cancellations affecting transportation, public… pic.twitter.com/wSCmlqBDE5
— U.S. Embassy Lisbon (@USEmbPortugal) December 9, 2025
Travel sector heavily impacted
Airline cabin crew union SNPVAC is also calling for a strike, representing some 5,000 TAP crew members, alongside easyJet, Ryanair, and Azores Airlines personnel. At the time of writing, Portugal’s national carrier TAP has already started to cancel flights and inform passengers that their operations should be limited to minimum services.
“Due to the General Strike in Portugal, and to avoid constraints on our Customers’ journeys, TAP is cancelling flights on December 11th. Thus, Customers are being contacted with an alternative, in case their flight is cancelled”, TAP said in a statement.
Some 18 flights are scheduled to go through, but the situation might still change. TAP passengers can move their flight to any moment between 8 and 14 December 2025 at no extra cost.
Hoje, às 07:00, no Aeroporto de Lisboa: mais de 3 horas de filas.
— Marco Galinha (@marcogalinha77) December 5, 2025
Turistas frustrados, famílias exaustas e uma imagem do país que não podemos normalizar.
Isto não é um episódio, é um problema estrutural que afeta a economia, a reputação e o futuro de Portugal.
Temos talento e… pic.twitter.com/dYiWmrOGHR
Other airlines will be hit as well, as half of Portugal’s entire workforce is scheduled to go on strike. Travellers are urged to contact their carrier or travel agent in order to stay updated regarding the situation.
Meanwhile, the country’s bus, metro, train, and tram network is also expected to be heavily disrupted during the strike. Those who are travelling within the country should therefore be aware of perturbations and are advised to stay at home or choose other means of transportation instead.
Portugal: Most flights to be grounded on 11 December amid nationwide strike; metros, buses and rail services also expected to be significantly affected
— Travel Watch (@BCDtravelwatch) December 9, 2025
Moreover, as hotels, restaurants, shops, and museums are likely to be impacted by the national strike as well, travellers might find it useful to think of other activities when spending time in Portugal on 11 December and to get in touch with their accommodation beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
It is not the first time in 2025 for the Portuguese travel sector to be hit by strikes. Over the course of the Summer months, travellers were met with delays and cancellations as ground staff members went on strike over pay and later threatened with a new set of strikes stretching from early September until the start of 2026.
