Portugal is bracing for one of its biggest days of industrial action in more than a decade, with a nationwide general strike on Thursday, 11 December 2025, threatening to paralyse transport networks and disrupt travel plans for hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents. About half of the country’s workforce is expected to join the walkout, which is already prompting mass flight cancellations, reduced rail and ferry services, and the shutdown of key urban transport systems.

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A nationwide walkout set to test Portugal’s transport system

The 11 December strike has been called by Portugal’s two main union confederations, CGTP and UGT, in protest at a package of labour law reforms proposed by the minority right‑wing government. It marks the country’s first general strike since 2013, when Portugal was under international bailout supervision and implementing sweeping austerity measures.

Union leaders say the current proposals would make it easier for companies to dismiss staff, extend the use and duration of fixed‑term contracts and broaden the list of sectors forced to maintain minimum services during industrial action. They argue that the reforms would weaken job security and undermine the right to strike at a time when households are already struggling with high living costs.

The action has an unusually broad scope. Public‑sector workers, teachers, health staff, municipal employees and civil servants are expected to join colleagues in the transport and logistics sectors. Travel‑industry analysts estimate that around half of all workers nationwide could take part at some point during the day, amplifying the knock‑on effects beyond airports and train stations into schools, hospitals, town halls, museums, shops and hotels.

For travelers, that breadth means disruption will not be limited to one mode of transport or one city. From Lisbon and Porto on the mainland to the island regions of Madeira and the Azores, passengers are being urged to expect last‑minute changes, longer queues and a slower‑than‑normal response from airlines, rail operators and public agencies.

Airports braced for grounded fleets and long queues

Aviation is at the heart of Thursday’s disruption. The SNPVAC cabin‑crew union, which represents around 5,000 crew members at national carrier TAP Air Portugal as well as staff at airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Azores Airlines, has voted overwhelmingly to join the strike. Union leaders have repeatedly warned that it will be “very difficult to operate flights” on 11 December and that most services at Portuguese airports are likely to be grounded, with only legally mandated minimum operations running.

TAP has spent the past several days progressively dismantling its 11 December schedule, cancelling the majority of its flights and contacting passengers with rebooking options. Under agreements struck with unions and minimum‑service rules, the airline expects to operate roughly one‑third of its usual services on Thursday, focusing on a skeleton network of domestic, island and long‑haul routes. These include a small number of return flights to the Azores and Madeira, selected European destinations such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and Switzerland, several connections to Cape Verde and Guinea‑Bissau, and a limited schedule to Brazil and the United States.

Other carriers have also moved to protect their operations by cancelling or consolidating flights to Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad have scrapped their Lisbon services on 11 December, while Angola’s TAAG has cancelled a daytime Lisbon rotation, keeping only a night‑time service. In Europe, Luxembourg’s Luxair has warned customers of delays and potential disruption on its Lisbon and Porto routes, advising passengers to arrive early and monitor their bookings closely.

Airport operator ANA has pledged to provide the “strictly necessary” staffing and infrastructure to maintain minimum operations at the country’s main hubs, but with ground‑handling and support services also affected by the strike, travellers should prepare for slower check‑in, security, baggage handling and border‑control processes even where flights do go ahead. Scenes of long queues and crowded terminals are considered likely during peak hours, particularly in Lisbon and Porto.

Rail, metro and ferries: major interruptions on the ground

On the ground, Portugal’s rail and urban transit systems are facing some of the most extensive disruption in years. National operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) will run only minimum services across its long‑distance, regional and suburban networks, with many trains outside the protected timetable expected to be cancelled. International links into Spain are also at risk, and travellers have been advised not to rely on normal timetables.

The Lisbon area will be particularly hard hit. The city’s metro has announced a full shutdown from 06:30 on Thursday until 01:00 on Friday, following an arbitration ruling that declined to impose minimum services on the underground network. All metro stations are due to remain closed throughout the day, cutting off a critical artery of daily mobility for residents and visitors alike.

Surface transport will operate but on an extremely limited basis. In Lisbon, Carris buses and trams are expected to run only a small number of essential lines and services for passengers with reduced mobility, while ferry operator Transtejo/Soflusa has been ordered to provide around 25 per cent of normal services during peak morning and evening periods on the Tagus crossings. South of the river, Fertagus trains over the 25 de Abril Bridge between Lisbon and Setúbal are also subject to a 25 per cent minimum‑service requirement.

Porto and other cities across the country face similar patterns, with metro, tram and bus operators preparing cut‑back timetables and sporadic services. For travellers, that means reaching airports, train stations and tourist sites by public transport may be difficult or impossible for much of the day, pushing more people towards taxis and ride‑hailing services that could themselves be affected by strike participation or heavy demand.

Portugal’s ports and maritime gateways are already in a tense situation after weeks of separate strike action by port administration workers over pay and working‑conditions disputes. That campaign has involved a rolling series of 24‑hour walkouts at major mainland ports including Lisbon, Setúbal, Sines, Leixões and others between late November and mid‑December, causing delays and cancellations for some cargo operations.

The 11 December general strike adds another layer of uncertainty for shipping and cruise movements. While many cargo operations to and from the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores are exempted from the mainland port stoppages, logistics chains still depend on truck drivers, warehouse staff and administrative workers who may be participating in the national strike. Freight forwarders have warned of possible backlogs and slower turnaround times at terminals even where full shutdowns are avoided.

Island regions are not immune to the disruption. Regional unions in Madeira have confirmed they will join the nationwide action, signalling interruptions across public services and dependencies on air and sea links. Although a core set of flights and maritime services is expected to be maintained for essential travel and supplies, visitors heading to or from the islands should monitor their specific connections closely and be prepared for last‑minute adjustments.

Tourism businesses tied to cruise calls, port excursions and just‑in‑time deliveries are watching developments closely. With December marking the start of the year‑end holiday peak, even short‑lived disruptions in ports and feeder services can ripple through hotel check‑ins, tour departures and restaurant bookings, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Why unions have called Portugal’s first general strike in 12 years

At the heart of the dispute is the government’s draft overhaul of labour legislation, which unions say tilts the balance of power further towards employers and the state. Proposed changes include easing dismissal procedures, lengthening the maximum duration and renewals of fixed‑term contracts, and expanding the list of services obliged to operate minimum levels during industrial action, ranging from transport and healthcare to certain administrative functions.

Unions argue that these reforms would make it harder for workers to secure stable, permanent employment and would erode the effectiveness of strikes by forcing a larger share of employees to keep working. They have framed the 11 December action as a defence of both labour rights and democratic safeguards, calling on the government to withdraw or significantly amend the draft before it reaches its final stages in parliament.

The government insists that the reforms are necessary to modernise Portugal’s labour market, increase flexibility and attract investment, arguing that minimum‑service rules are crucial to protect essential needs such as health, security and basic mobility. But a series of tense meetings with union leaders in November failed to produce a compromise. Union officials have publicly warned that, if the government does not shift its position, they may consider extending industrial action, including the possibility of more than one strike day.

For now, both sides are watching how the public reacts to the scale of Thursday’s disruption. Strong participation across sectors could strengthen union leverage in further talks, while a backlash from businesses and travellers might increase pressure on negotiators to find a swift off‑ramp.

What travelers should do today and in the coming days

For anyone due to travel within, to or from Portugal on 11 December, the most important step is to check the status of every part of the journey before setting out. Airlines have been notifying customers individually where flights are cancelled or rescheduled, but some passengers may still find changes only when they look at airline apps or booking systems. Given the breadth of the strike, travellers should verify not only flights but also rail tickets, ferry crossings and hotel or tour arrangements.

Where a flight is cancelled, European consumer rules under Regulation 261/2004 still apply. Passengers are entitled to a choice between a refund and rebooking, and, in the event of long delays or overnight stays, to care in the form of meals, refreshments and accommodation. Cash compensation is more complex: airlines often argue that large‑scale national strikes fall under “extraordinary circumstances”, which can exempt them from paying fixed compensation, but that does not remove their obligation to reroute or refund affected travellers.

On the ground, travellers should build in extra time to reach airports and stations, especially in Lisbon and Porto where metros will be shut or heavily reduced and buses and trams are running limited services. Pre‑booked taxis and ride‑hailing services may help bridge gaps in public transport, but demand is expected to be high and traffic heavier than usual as commuters switch from trains and metros to cars. Those with flexible plans may find it easier to move non‑essential journeys to 10 or 12 December, when transport networks are expected to return closer to normal, albeit with lingering knock‑on effects.

Beyond transport, visitors should expect patchy staffing at museums, cultural sites, shops and restaurants. Some venues may choose to close or shorten opening hours, while others operate with reduced teams and slower service. Travel advisors recommend contacting hotels and key service providers in advance to confirm whether there are any changes to check‑in times, housekeeping or facilities such as spas and restaurants.

Outlook: could disruption extend beyond 11 December?

While the current general strike is officially limited to Thursday, some of the industrial conflicts feeding into it are longer‑running. Port administration workers have strike notices covering several dates through 13 December, meaning cargo and some maritime operations could remain disrupted even after most flights and trains resume normal schedules. Port and shipping companies warn that clearing backlogs may take days once full staffing returns.

Within the transport sector, unions at rail and metro operators have already staged targeted strikes in recent months over staffing levels, safety and working conditions, and could return to such tactics if talks stall. Airlines, too, face continuing wage and rostering negotiations with cabin crew and ground staff. Analysts say that if the government presses ahead with its labour reform package unchanged, Portugal could see further waves of stoppages in 2026, potentially affecting future holiday peaks.

Union leaders have hinted that the 11 December strike is intended as a warning shot rather than an end in itself. The head of UGT has publicly suggested that, unless the government shows more flexibility, unions may need to consider organising not just one but two consecutive days of national strike action. For travellers, that means keeping a close eye on political and labour developments over the coming weeks, especially if planning early‑2026 trips that rely heavily on Portuguese airports or ports.

In the short term, however, transport providers insist they will work to restore normal operations as quickly as possible once Thursday’s strike winds down. Airlines are already adding capacity on surrounding dates to re‑accommodate stranded passengers, and rail and metro operators are preparing to restart full timetables from Friday morning, subject to any localised delays or equipment issues caused by the stoppage.

FAQ

Q1. Will flights to and from Portugal operate on 11 December?
Only a limited number of flights will operate. TAP Air Portugal is running a skeleton schedule focused on essential domestic, island and long‑haul routes, while many other airlines have cancelled or consolidated services. Most passengers should expect cancellations or significant schedule changes and must check directly with their carrier.

Q2. How badly will Lisbon and Porto airports be affected?
Lisbon and Porto are expected to see the highest concentration of disruption, with the vast majority of their normal flights cancelled and airports operating in “minimum mode” only. Even for flights that do go ahead, reduced staffing in ground handling and support services is likely to result in delays, longer queues and slower baggage delivery.

Q3. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled because of the strike?
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you are entitled to choose between a refund of your unused ticket or rebooking at the earliest opportunity or on a later date that suits you, subject to availability. You are also entitled to care, such as meals and accommodation, during long waits. Cash compensation may not apply if airlines can classify the strike as an extraordinary circumstance.

Q4. Will the Lisbon Metro be running on the day of the strike?
No. Lisbon Metro has announced that all services will be suspended and all stations closed from 06:30 on 11 December until 01:00 on 12 December. Travellers should plan alternative ways of reaching the airport, train stations and city attractions, using buses, trams, taxis or ride‑hailing services where available.

Q5. What about trains and long‑distance rail journeys?
National rail operator CP will operate only minimum services, meaning many long‑distance, regional and suburban trains will be cancelled. Some protected trains will still run, but timetables will be far from normal and international connections into Spain may also be disrupted. Anyone with rail tickets for 11 December should verify whether their specific train is still scheduled.

Q6. Are ferries and river crossings in Lisbon operating?
Tagus River ferry services run by Transtejo/Soflusa are required to provide about a quarter of normal crossings during the morning and evening peaks, but off‑peak services will be much more limited or suspended. Expect longer waits, crowded boats at busy times and possible last‑minute changes depending on staff availability.

Q7. How is the strike affecting ports and cruise travel?
Mainland ports have already been hit by separate industrial action, and the general strike adds additional strain. Some cargo and administrative functions may be suspended or delayed, which can affect cruise calls and freight movements. However, many operations serving Madeira and the Azores are being prioritised to maintain essential links, so impacts will vary by port and itinerary.

Q8. Will tourist attractions, shops and restaurants be open?
Many will open but with reduced staffing, shorter hours or limited services. Some museums, cultural sites and shops may choose to close for the day if they cannot staff operations adequately. Restaurants and cafés in tourist areas are likely to remain open where possible, but service may be slower and reservations harder to honour exactly on time.

Q9. I am travelling later in December. Will I still be affected?
Most direct disruption is expected to be concentrated on 11 December, with transport providers aiming to normalise schedules on 12 December. However, knock‑on effects such as aircraft and crew repositioning, backlog in cargo and rescheduled passenger bookings could cause occasional delays or fuller‑than‑usual services in the days that follow, particularly on popular holiday routes.

Q10. Could there be more national strikes in Portugal after this one?
It is possible. Union leaders have signalled that if the government does not modify its labour reform plans, they may consider further national or sector‑specific strikes in the months ahead. Travellers planning trips to Portugal in early 2026 should keep an eye on labour‑relations developments and be prepared for potential future announcements, especially affecting aviation, rail and ports.