Thousands of Travelers Grounded across Europe as British, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Other Airlines Face 102 Cancellations and 822 Delays Affecting Portugal, UK, Italy, Poland at Lisbon, Porto, London, Krakow and More

Published on December 14, 2025

Thousands of Travelers Grounded across Europe as TAP Air Portugal, British Airways, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and other airlines face 102 cancellations and 822 delays across major airports in Portugal, the UK, Italy, and Poland. The disruptions are particularly severe at airports in Lisbon, Porto, London, Krakow, and other key cities, leaving thousands of travelers grounded as flights are canceled or delayed for hours. TAP Air Portugal, British Airways, and other carriers are struggling to maintain schedules due to ongoing strikes and operational challenges. Portugal’s Lisbon and Porto airports, along with major hubs in the UK like London Heathrow and London Gatwick, are facing the brunt of these travel disruptions.

Krakow and other European cities are also seeing cascading effects. With 102 cancellations and 822 delays, passengers are advised to check with airlines and explore alternative travel options.

Strikes in Portugal Spark Major Disruptions

The primary cause of these disruptions is strikes in Portugal, which have been affecting airports across the country. Madeira International (Funchal), Lisbon Airport (General Humberto Delgado), and Porto Airport are the hardest hit, with hundreds of flights being delayed or cancelled. The Madeira Int’l (Funchal) Airport alone has seen 46 cancellations and 85 delays, while Lisbon Airport (LIS) reports 11 cancellations and a staggering 116 delays. Porto Airport (OPO) is also dealing with 8 cancellations and 17 delays. These disruptions are causing ripple effects, impacting flights across Europe and leading to a significant backlog of passengers.

Major Airports Affected in the UK and Across Europe

While the majority of disruptions are centred in Portugal, other major European airports are also experiencing delays and cancellations. In the United Kingdom, London Heathrow (LHR) has witnessed 7 cancellations and 270 delays, while London Gatwick (LGW) reports 5 cancellations and 88 delays. Smaller airports like Bristol International (BRS) and Southampton Airport (SOU) are not immune, with 6 cancellations and 45 delays at Bristol, and 3 cancellations and 7 delays at Southampton.

Several other airports in Europe have also been impacted, including Krakow International (KRK) in Poland (5 cancellations and 58 delays), Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) in Italy (2 cancellations and 37 delays), and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands (3 cancellations and 57 delays). Despite the lower numbers at some of these airports, the cumulative impact is significant, especially for travelers connecting through multiple airports.

Total Delays and Cancellations: A Snapshot of the Disruptions

In total, European air travelers are facing 102 cancellations and 822 delays as of the latest reports. These disruptions are not just limited to Portugal; the effects are felt across many of Europe’s busiest airports, creating widespread chaos for passengers. Strikes, combined with other operational challenges, are making it difficult for airlines to maintain their schedules, further adding to the travel woes.

Analysis of Affected Passengers: What You Need to Know

The primary airports affected are located in major European travel hubs, including Portugal, United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands. Passengers flying to and from Portugal are particularly impacted due to the ongoing strikes at key airports like Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto. Meanwhile, travelers passing through major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick are also facing severe delays. These disruptions are particularly problematic for passengers with connecting flights or those traveling during the busy holiday period.

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

For passengers affected by cancellations and delays, the first step is to check the status of their flight with their airline. Airlines are obligated to provide passengers with compensation for significant delays or cancellations under EU regulations, so travelers should be prepared to claim this if applicable.

Passengers can take the following steps:

• Contact the Airline: Travelers should immediately reach out to their airline’s customer service for rebooking options or compensation.
• Check for Alternative Routes: If possible, passengers can look for alternative flights from nearby airports, especially those in major hubs like London Heathrow or Amsterdam Schiphol.
• Claim Compensation: European travelers are entitled to compensation for delays of more than three hours or cancellations. The compensation amount varies depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.
• Monitor the News: Stay updated on the latest news regarding strikes in Portugal and other airports, as these disruptions could persist for several days.

A Challenging Time for European Travelers

The ongoing strikes in Portugal are part of a broader wave of travel disruptions sweeping across Europe, with significant delays and cancellations affecting both passengers and airlines. With a total of 102 cancellations and 822 delays, passengers are facing an uncertain travel experience, especially during the peak holiday period. It is essential for travelers to stay informed and prepared, monitor their flights, and communicate with their airlines for rebooking and compensation options.

While the situation may improve once the strikes in Portugal are resolved, for now, affected passengers should expect delays and be proactive in managing their travel plans.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports