**British Holidaymakers Advised of Likely Airport Delays in Portugal Amid Baggage Handler Strikes**
British travellers planning visits to Portugal this summer have been cautioned about significant potential airport disruptions, as industrial action among the nation’s baggage handlers is set to cause widespread delays. The advisory comes directly from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which has updated its travel guidance in response to strike activity scheduled during the peak summer holiday period.
According to official sources, staff responsible for baggage handling and associated ground services across Portuguese airports—including destinations in the popular holiday hotspots of mainland Portugal and its island territories—are due to walk out for five consecutive weekends spanning both July and August. The industrial action is timed from Friday to Monday each week, a window that aligns with the high volume of families and tourists travelling during the school break.
The initial round of strike action is set to begin at 00:00 on 25 July and will last until midnight on 28 July. Subsequent strikes are anticipated to continue throughout August, although precise dates have not yet been confirmed. This could create ongoing uncertainty for holidaymakers, particularly those with flights booked towards the latter part of the summer.
The strikes have been called by workers at SPdH/Menzies, a company responsible for key ground operations, including check-in, baggage loading and offloading, and aircraft servicing. Industrial action has been sparked by a dispute over various employment concerns, notably relating to staff pay, overtime rates for night shifts, and parking conditions at airport sites. Organisers of the walkout say their grievances reflect a broader dissatisfaction among employees with terms and workplace conditions.
In light of this situation, the Foreign Office is urging anyone due to fly to, from or within Portugal—including trips involving the Azores and Madeira—to closely monitor travel updates and to remain in regular contact with their airline or tour operator. Early arrival at airports, online check-in where possible, and travelling with only hand luggage are being recommended as practical measures to minimise disruption. Such advice is echoed by several airlines and travel industry bodies, all of whom stress the importance of flexibility and patience during this period.
For those passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed, European Union Regulation 261/2004 outlines their entitlements. Travellers can typically claim a refund or request to be rebooked if their journey is disrupted. However, industry experts caution that airlines may not be obliged to offer compensation for delays caused by industrial action, as such events are often deemed ‘extraordinary circumstances’. Even so, passengers are still advised to check with their carriers, as individual cases can differ.
Portugal remains one of the UK’s top summer destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually thanks to its diverse coastline, historic cities, and family-friendly resorts. With strikes now affecting several weekends of the holiday season, there is concern that airports across Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and the island regions could see longer queues, delayed departures, and possible confusion as airlines and operators manage logistical challenges.
Travel industry associations are keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and continuing to update their guidance as further information becomes available. They highlight the need for clear communication to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and stress for travellers, many of whom are embarking on their first holidays abroad since the pandemic disrupted travel plans in previous years.
Those due to travel to Portugal this summer are encouraged to ensure their contact details are up to date with their airline or tour operator, as this will facilitate the timely receipt of updates or changes. While the strikes may cause inconvenience, preparation and staying informed can reduce the impact on planned holidays.
Ultimately, as the summer unfolds, the situation in Portugal serves as a reminder of the importance of checking travel advisories and being prepared for disruptions beyond one’s control. The Foreign Office’s advice remains: keep abreast of the latest news, maintain communication with travel providers, and adopt a flexible approach should flight times or arrangements change at short notice.