Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, and More Airlines Ground 102 Flights and Delay 16 Amid Portugal’s General Strike, Disrupting Travel Across Iceland, Italy, UK, Finland, Germany, Sweden

Published on December 11, 2025

Portugal’s general strike has caused major disruptions in the travel sector, as Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, and other airlines have been forced to ground 102 flights and delay 16, affecting passengers across multiple countries. The strike, which involved widespread protests, has severely impacted air travel between Portugal and several European destinations, including Iceland, Italy, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Sweden. With airports experiencing shutdowns and operational chaos, passengers are facing unprecedented travel delays and cancellations, highlighting the ripple effects of labor unrest on global travel. The general strike in Portugal, which has led to a halt in many public services, has caused massive disruptions at airports, with several major airlines forced to cancel and delay flights. As unions and workers across the country protested against government policies, the aviation sector faced a significant setback, impacting travelers across multiple European nations. Airports in Iceland, Italy, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Sweden have been affected, as flights to and from Portugal were either grounded or delayed. The strike not only led to flight cancellations but also strained airport resources, causing further delays for thousands of passengers. Travelers have been left grappling with the uncertainty of rescheduled flights, limited airport services, and ongoing disruptions, highlighting the challenges faced by both passengers and airlines during such industrial actions.

A massive disruption in air travel hit Portugal today, leaving thousands of travelers stranded at Lisbon’s General Humberto Delgado Airport and Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. A general strike in Portugal led to the cancellation of 85 flights and delays to 3 others, causing chaos for passengers flying with major international airlines. The disruption spans various destinations, including key cities in Iceland, Italy, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Sweden, impacting airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, and others.

This strike has created a ripple effect across the European and international flight network, affecting travelers on high-traffic routes between Portugal and various major airports. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the flight cancellations and delays today, offering insight into the affected airlines, destinations, and routes.

General Strike in Portugal Causes Widespread Travel Chaos

The cause of the disruptions is a general strike in Portugal, which has led to significant operational challenges at both Lisbon and Porto airports. While the strike was planned to address several labor-related concerns, including pay disputes and working conditions, its impact on air travel has been substantial.

Airlines have been forced to cancel a high number of flights, particularly on routes to and from Lisbon. The cancellations also affected outbound international connections, with several flights bound for major hubs such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt being scrapped. In addition to cancellations, several flights have been delayed, with passengers left in uncertainty about their rescheduled departures.

The general strike in Portugal has compounded an already chaotic travel season, as travelers face not only cancellations but also uncertainty regarding when services will fully resume.

Flight Cancellations and Delays: A Breakdown by Airport

General Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon):

At Lisbon’s General Humberto Delgado Airport (LPPT), the disruption has been severe, with 85 flights cancelled and 3 delayed across multiple airlines. The majority of cancellations came from well-established international carriers, as well as low-cost European airlines.

Key Cancelled Routes from Lisbon:

Porto / Oporto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro):

Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (LPPR) saw 20 cancellations and no delays today. While the number of cancellations was lower than Lisbon’s, the impact was still considerable, especially for those traveling from Porto to other European cities.

Key Cancelled Routes from Porto:

Impact on Key Destinations and Airlines

The cancellations at both Lisbon and Porto airports have affected key international destinations, including:

• Iceland: Flights to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) were among the most impacted. Icelandair and easyJet were particularly affected, with multiple cancellations to and from Lisbon.
• Italy: Routes to Milan and Malpensa (MXP), as well as Rome, faced cancellations from both easyJet and Air France, highlighting the disruption for travelers heading to popular Italian cities.
• United Kingdom: London Heathrow (LHR) was another hub heavily affected, with British Airways and easyJet among the main airlines affected by the cancellations.
• Germany: Frankfurt and Munich saw multiple flights cancelled from both Lisbon and Porto. Lufthansa had the most significant cancellations on these routes.
• Finland: Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) was disrupted by the strike, with Finnair canceling its flights from Lisbon.
• Sweden: Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) was another European destination impacted, with flights from both airports being canceled.

Reason Behind the Strike: General Strike in Portugal

The general strike in Portugal was organized by labor unions to address several grievances, including:

• Pay Disparities: Striking workers are demanding better wages in line with rising living costs and inflation.
• Working Conditions: Labor unions are calling for improved working conditions, including better work-life balance and job security.
• Public Service Cutbacks: The strike also targets cuts to public services and the privatization of key sectors, such as transportation and healthcare.
• Transport Disruptions: Public transport services in Portugal were severely affected by the strike, with metro and bus services experiencing disruptions. This resulted in ripple effects on the aviation sector, where air traffic control services and airport operations were impacted.

The strike has highlighted ongoing labor tensions in the country, and although it is primarily a domestic issue, its impact has been felt by international travelers relying on Portugal as a key transit hub.

Travel Recommendations and Next Steps for Passengers

Passengers affected by the flight disruptions at both Lisbon and Porto airports are encouraged to:

• Check with Airlines: Passengers should check the status of their flights with the respective airlines. Many airlines, including easyJet, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal, are providing updates via their websites and customer service lines.
• Explore Alternatives: For those with delayed flights, airlines may offer rebooking options on the next available flight. Some travelers may also need to consider alternate routes or transport options via neighboring countries.
• Be Prepared for Longer Waits: With a limited number of flights operating today, travelers should prepare for longer waiting times and potential further delays as airlines and airports work to catch up.

The ongoing general strike in Portugal has caused widespread disruption to air travel, with 85 flights cancelled and 3 delayed across Lisbon and Porto airports. The strike, which was sparked by labor issues, has left thousands of travelers grounded, particularly those flying on popular international routes to Iceland, Italy, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Sweden.

Portugal’s general strike has caused major disruptions to air travel, leading Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, and other airlines to cancel 102 flights and delay 11. The strike, driven by widespread protests against government policies, has resulted in severe travel disruptions across Iceland, Italy, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Sweden.

With airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, and more affected, it is important for passengers to stay informed and check for updates from their airlines to minimize the impact on their travel plans. The strike underscores the need for continued attention to labor conditions and their broader impacts on both the domestic and international travel industries.