Thousands of Travelers Stranded Across Europe as easyJet, Air France, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal Cancel 210 and Delays 1,030 New Flights in Portugal, UK, France, Switzerland at Lisbon, London, Paris, Zurich and Beyond

Published on December 12, 2025

Thousands of travelers are stranded across Europe as easyJet, Air France, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal have canceled 210 flights and delayed 1,030 more in Portugal, the UK, France, and Switzerland. Major airports in Lisbon, London, Paris, Zurich, and other cities are facing chaos, leaving passengers frustrated and anxious. This widespread disruption comes amid a general strike in Portugal, which has severely impacted not only airlines but also public transport services. The strike, aimed at protesting labor reforms, has exacerbated the already difficult travel conditions. easyJet, Air France, and Lufthansa have all experienced significant delays, with TAP Air Portugal seeing the highest number of cancellations.

Airlines are struggling to rebook stranded passengers, and the impact is being felt far beyond Portugal, affecting travelers across Europe. As a result, travelers are advised to stay informed and be prepared for continued delays.

Widespread Travel Disruptions in Portugal and Beyond

Portugal’s general strike has resulted in massive disruptions, particularly affecting air travel, trains, and other public services. The strike, organized by trade unions in protest against government labor reforms, has led to the cancellation of flights, with TAP Air Portugal, the national carrier, calling off about two-thirds of its flights. Other public transport services have also been severely impacted, and hospitals have postponed most surgeries and appointments.

However, this disruption extends beyond Portugal, as major European airports and airlines have also been severely affected by ongoing delays and cancellations, causing confusion and frustration for travelers.

European Airports and Airlines Affected

A closer look at the European airports reveals a significant number of flight delays and cancellations:

• Lisbon Airport (LIS) saw 77 cancellations and 34 delays, with heavy disruptions caused by the strike action.
• Porto (OPO) experienced 26 cancellations and 14 delays, also contributing to the travel chaos.
• Major hubs such as Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), London Heathrow (LHR), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) were not spared, with delays reaching as high as 405 at CDG alone.

When we look at airlines operating in Europe, the picture is similarly bleak:

• easyJet (U2), based in the UK, reported 24 cancellations and 218 delays.
• Air France (AF) faced 8 cancellations and 246 delays, making it one of the most affected carriers.
• Lufthansa (LH) and Ryanair (FR) followed closely, with 9 cancellations and 110 delays for Lufthansa and 7 cancellations and 157 delays for Ryanair.

In total, European airports and airlines have recorded 210 cancellations and 1,030 delays across the board, contributing to widespread confusion for travelers trying to reach their destinations.

Impacted Cities, Countries, and Airlines: An Analysis

The impact of these disruptions extends beyond Portugal. Airports in major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich saw widespread delays as flights were either delayed or canceled in the wake of the strike and the ongoing holiday season rush. Airports like Zurich and Geneva were less affected in terms of cancellations but still saw significant delays, with Zurich reporting 62 delays and Geneva having 12 delays.

As for airlines, easyJet, Ryanair, and Air France were particularly hard-hit. With easyJet operating predominantly within the UK and Europe, a large number of their domestic and international flights were either delayed or canceled. Ryanair, being a leading low-cost carrier across Europe, faced significant operational disruption due to the sheer volume of flights it handles across multiple countries, with 157 delays impacting many passengers.

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

If you are an affected passenger, it is crucial to stay informed and take the following steps:

1. Check Flight Status: Always check the status of your flight before heading to the airport. Most airlines, including easyJet, Air France, and TAP Air Portugal, will provide updates via their official websites or mobile apps.
2. Contact Airlines for Rebooking: If your flight has been canceled, contact your airline to inquire about rebooking options. Many airlines are offering rebooking on the next available flight or will help arrange alternative travel methods.
3. Know Your Rights: In the event of a cancellation, passengers are entitled to compensation under European Union regulations, depending on the length of the delay and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.
4. Consider Other Transportation Options: For those in Portugal, public transportation, including trains and buses, may be a viable option to reach your destination if flights are delayed or canceled. However, given the ongoing strike, it is best to confirm availability before relying on these services.
5. Stay Calm and Patient: Widespread disruptions can lead to confusion, long queues, and crowded airports. Remain patient and stay updated through official sources to ensure you are well-prepared for any changes.

In conclusion, while airports across Europe are facing massive delays and cancellations due to labor strikes in Portugal, passengers are advised to stay vigilant, seek alternative transportation options, and ensure they know their rights regarding compensation for cancellations. With over 1,000 delays and 210 cancellations, travelers should anticipate further disruptions as the situation continues to unfold.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports