Flying with TAP on 11 December? Here’s what to expect from the strike in Portugal

On 11 December 2025, Portugal will be heavily affected by a nationwide strike that impacts several sectors, including aviation. As a result, TAP Air Portugal has announced that only minimum services will be operated that day.

Many flights are being cancelled proactively, while others will run on a significantly reduced schedule.

But what does the strike in Portugal mean for your rights as an air passenger?

Why is TAP Air Portugal striking?

The strike on 11 December has been called by the unions CGTP and UGT, in protest against the Portuguese government’s new labour law proposal. It’s the first time since 2013 that these unions unite, which makes the impact substantial.

Several aviation-related unions are joining the action. The Portuguese pilots’ union SPAC has also committed to respecting the agreed minimum service levels. And since TAP Air Portugal is a Portuguese airline…

Do you qualify for compensation during the strike in Portugal?

The nationwide strike in Portugal on 11 December is classified as an extraordinary circumstance under EU Regulation 261/2004. Even though TAP employees such as cabin crew, maintenance staff or pilots may participate, the disruption is caused by a general strike affecting multiple sectors.

Because the airline cannot influence or prevent the impact of a nationwide strike, passengers are not entitled to compensation for cancellations or delays resulting from this situation.

Right to rebooking or refund

If your flight is cancelled, you may always choose between:

• a full refund of your ticket, or
• rebooking onto another flight

Right to care during the TAP Air Portugal strike

If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than two hours, you are always entitled to care. This means TAP must provide:

• meals and drinks
• hotel accommodation if necessary
• transportation between the airport and the hotel

If TAP does not offer these services, you may arrange them yourself and claim the costs back from the airline, be sure to keep all receipts.