Lisbon Airport Experience 14 Flight Cancellations on Day Two of the Menzies Strike
Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport, and other affected airports in Porto, Faro, and Madeira, are expected to operate normally without further strike-related cancellations during the period of July 25 to September 1. This announcement comes after a successful agreement between the union (SIMA) and management, effectively cancelling the subsequent strikes planned for August 15-18, August 22-25, and August 29-September 1.
Earlier strikes did occur from July 25-28 and August 8-11, leading to flight cancellations and disruptions. However, the total number of flight cancellations expected from July 25 to September 1 due to Menzies workers’ strikes is effectively zero from August 15 onward, as the subsequent strikes were called off.
The strikes, called by the Sindicato das Indústrias Metálicas e Afins (SIMA) and the Sindicato dos Transportes (ST), had resulted in a "complete disorganization" at Lisbon Airport, causing both departures and arrivals to be affected. Some cancellations were announced for afternoon connections, and as many as 14 flights were cancelled at Lisbon Airport on Saturday morning.
The disruption at Lisbon Airport is expected to continue until at least Monday, as the strike by workers of the 'handling' company Menzies is set to continue. The company and the union have been exchanging accusations of lack of availability for dialogue. The demands include an end to base salaries below the national minimum, better salaries, fulfillment of payment of overtime hours, among other demands.
ANA, the airport operator, has published a notice alerting passengers of potential inconveniences during the periods: 25 to 28 July; 8 to 11 August; 15 to 18 August; 22 to 25 August, and from 29 August to 1 September. Passengers are advised to contact their airline or travel agent before going to the airport.
This is one of five stoppages scheduled for the summer, high tourist season. The second four-day strike by Menzies workers started on Friday, July 2, and is set to end at 24:00 on Monday, July 5. Despite the cancellations and disruptions, the planned strikes have contributed to the delays of many flights, causing a "complete disorganization" at Lisbon Airport.
- The ongoing strike by Menzies workers has significantly impacted the lifestyle of travelers, causing a "complete disorganization" at Lisbon Airport during the planned strikes in July and August.
- Despite the successful agreement between the union and management, canceling subsequent strikes from August 15 onward, travelers should still prepare for potential cancellations and disruptions at Lisbon Airport during the high tourist season from July 25 to September 1, as announced by ANA.
