Public transport workers, including rail personnel, flight attendants, and related departments, participated in the strike. They are protesting proposed amendments to labor laws, which they argue would diminish worker rights.

The national airline, TAP Air Portugal, had previously announced the cancellation of approximately 500 flights for the day, while maintaining operations for 79 flights.

At Lisbon airport, nearly 100 arriving and departing flights were canceled. Several routes connecting the portuguese capital with the United Kingdom were affected, including British Airways flights between Lisbon and London's Heathrow airport.

Aircraft parked at Lisbon airport. *Photo: AP*

Porto airport reported nearly 60 flight cancellations, some involving Ryanair services. Meanwhile, Faro airport in southern Portugal also saw around 40 flights canceled, impacting routes to London and Leeds.

Beyond cancellations, many passengers experienced prolonged delays. The low-cost airline easyJet warned that its schedule could be disrupted by the strike. The airline stated it is working to minimize the impact on passengers and will directly contact those with affected flights to assist with itinerary changes or refunds.

The strike's impact extended beyond the aviation sector, severely affecting other public transport services. Lisbon's subway system announced a complete halt to operations on 3/6, while the metro network in Porto operated at limited capacity.

Subway system announced service suspension from 3/6. *Photo: AP*

Officials and transport companies cautioned that the strike's effects could linger for several days due to ripple effects on national schedules and operations.

This marks the second general strike in Portugal within the past six months. In 12/2025, trade unions initiated a large-scale strike that caused widespread disruptions to transport, education, and healthcare. Workers continue to oppose the government's labor law reform plans, asserting that the changes would reduce employee benefits.

Travel experts advise passengers traveling to or transiting through Portugal in the coming days to regularly check their flight status with airlines and to prepare alternative arrangements if their schedules change.

Transit passengers at major airports such as Lisbon, Porto, or Faro are recommended to allow extra connection time, monitor airport announcements, and consider purchasing travel insurance to mitigate risks arising from cancellations or delays. Due to the strike's ripple effects, disruptions may persist for several days even after normal operations resume.

Tuan Anh (According to The Sun)