Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-18
Travellers heading to Portugal will need nerves of steel in October: Portuguese easyJet crews have announced strikes from 2 to 6 October and from 19 to 23 December. According to the union, around 500 flights in Lisbon, Porto and Faro could be affected in October alone. If you have booked a trip to Portugal during these periods, now is the time to act — and if you are still planning to book, a few simple rules can help you avoid the risk.
Am I affected? These dates and airports are critical
The flights primarily affected are those operated by Portugal-based easyJet crews — in other words, mainly departures from Lisbon, Porto and Faro, along with the corresponding outbound flights. The critical windows are 2–6 October and 19–23 December. Flights with other airlines (TAP, SWISS, Edelweiss) are not on strike, but they may become fuller and more expensive as passengers rebook. Check your booking confirmation: if it shows an easyJet flight number (EZY/EJU) during these periods, you should prepare a plan B.
Your rights if your flight is cancelled due to the strike
If your flight is cancelled, EU passenger rights give you the choice between a refund and rerouting — including on other airlines if easyJet itself cannot offer anything suitable. In the event of delays, you are entitled to meals and, if necessary, a hotel. Important: under ECJ case law, a strike by an airline’s own staff is generally not considered an extraordinary circumstance — so compensation of up to 600 Euro often remains payable on top. Do not accept a voucher too quickly.
Plan B: how to get to Portugal anyway
TAP Air Portugal flies direct from Zurich and Geneva to Lisbon and Porto, while SWISS serves Lisbon, Porto and Faro seasonally. A detour via Madrid or Barcelona, followed by a connecting flight or hire car, can also work out cheaper than a last-minute direct flight. Our flight search lets you compare all airlines side by side — it is best to activate a price alert for your route so you do not miss a rebooking opportunity.
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