EasyJet cabin crew strike cancels over 400 Portugal flights as second walkout looms for Christmas

Five-day cabin crew walkout

EasyJet cabin crew based in Portugal launched a five-day strike on 2 October 2026, causing flight cancellations across the country. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) called the walkout across company bases in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Union officials stated that the stoppage grounded 80% of scheduled flights from Portuguese bases, with 443 flights cancelled over the five-day window ending on 6 October. Early union projections had estimated up to 500 cancellations prior to the application of mandatory service levels. At Lisbon airport, Flightradar24 recorded 99 flight delays on Friday morning alone as the disruption took effect.

Core grievances and rejected offers

The labour dispute stems from stalled negotiations over a new company agreement, work schedule instability, and wage progression based on seniority. SNPVAC officials stated that cabin crew rejected an offer presented by EasyJet in August by an overwhelming majority, arguing that compensation remains below Portuguese aviation benchmarks and European standards. The union also pointed to scheduling changes, operational planning failures, overtime pressure to cover staff shortages, and disparities between crew and pilot working conditions. Government labour authority DGERT mediated discussions between the two parties without reaching a resolution. EasyJet management called the union demands unworkable, arguing that Portuguese cabin staff already earn well above the national average wage.

We know that aviation is unpredictable. But successive schedule changes are not aviation; they are a lack of respect for the workers and their family life. It is to maximise profits at the expense of the physical and mental wear and tear of the crew.

Airline operations and strike-breaking allegations

EasyJet informed news agency Lusa that it expects to operate roughly 55% of its overall flight schedule during the strike period. The carrier maintains that mandated minimum services account for approximately 22% of its Portuguese-based flights, with the remainder covered by aircraft and crew operating out of other European bases. EasyJet stated that its contingency plans comply fully with applicable employment laws and aviation regulations. However, SNPVAC union leader Ana Dias reported that replacement crews arrived in Porto from France on 1 October to operate flights in place of striking workers. SNPVAC president Ricardo Penarroias stated the union would submit formal complaints to Portugal's Working Conditions Authority (ACT) and file lawsuits to contest the use of non-striking staff.

We already have some legal actions in court specifically against the replacement of striking workers in other strikes. It is a recurring practice by the company, which prefers to pay fines rather than cancel the flight.

Holiday strike scheduled for December

The current disruption marks the first of two planned industrial actions by Portuguese cabin staff this autumn. SNPVAC members voted to stage a second five-day walkout between 19 December and 23 December 2026. The December action directly coincides with the peak Christmas holiday travel window, when flight schedules and passenger volumes reach their highest levels. EasyJet stated that it remains focused on protecting the long-term sustainability of its operations in Portugal while attempting to minimise travel disruptions for passengers. Union leaders have warned that further legal action will proceed if negotiations do not yield revised terms for Portuguese base staff.