Portugal is bracing for a nationwide general strike on December 11, due to a joint action organized by the country’s two major union confederations, CGTP and UGT. The last time both unions united for a general strike was in 2013, underscoring the scale of discontent surrounding the government’s proposed labor-law reform.
Union leaders argue that the reform package would weaken long-standing worker protections, make it easier for employers to resort to precarious contracts, and undermine collective bargaining structures that have shaped labor relations for decades. The strike is expected to generate significant disruptions across the country, affecting both public and private sectors.
Disruption to be important in transport
Transport will be among the most severely affected areas. Airlines have warned of widespread cancellations, and airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are preparing for long queues, reduced staffing, and slowed operations.
In this challenging context, TAP Air Portugals has announced it will operate a limited number of flights under legally mandated minimum-service requirements. The Portuguese national carrier is planning to operate 28 services departing from Lisbon and one international flight departing from Porto.
The flights include key long-haul connections to Brazil and the United States, selected European routes critical for international connectivity, and essential island services linking the mainland to Madeira and the Azores. Passengers booked on other flights should expect cancellations or re-booking, TAP has advised all travelers to monitor their flight status closely and anticipate possible last-minute changes.
Beyond air transport, the impact of the strike is expected to ripple across the entire mobility network. Train services—including Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, regional, and suburban lines—may run skeleton services or halt altogether. Metros in Lisbon and Porto, as well as bus operators throughout the country, are likely to carry a severely reduced service. Commuters are being encouraged to plan alternative travel arrangements or work remotely where possible.
Public services are also expected to be affected. Schools may face partial closures due to absent staff, while hospitals and clinics will rely on minimum-service teams, potentially increasing waiting times for non-urgent care. Municipal offices, postal services, and administrative departments may also experience delays or interruptions.
Tourism authorities recommend allowing extra travel time and staying updated through transport operators and official advisories.
List of confirmed flights of TAP Air Portugal
| Flight | Route |
|---|---|
| TP75 | LIS → GIG |
| TP87 | LIS → GRU |
| TP93 | OPO → GRU |
| TP201 | LIS → EWR |
| TP215 | LIS → BOS |
| TP436 | LIS → ORY |
| TP572 | LIS → FRA |
| TP644 | LIS → BRU |
| TP692 | LIS → LUX |
| TP932 | LIS → ZRH |
| TP1356 | LIS → LHR |
| TP1477 | LIS → OXB |
| TP1541 | LIS → RAI |
| TP1687 | LIS → FNC |
| TP1691 | LIS → FNC |
| TP1823 | LIS → TER |
| TP1863 | LIS → PDL |
| TP1865 | LIS → PDL |
| TP437 | ORY → LIS |
| TP573 | FRA → LIS |
| TP645 | BRU → LIS |
| TP693 | LUX → LIS |
| TP933 | ZRH → LIS |
| TP1357 | LHR → LIS |
| TP1542 | RAI → LIS |
| TP1688 | FNC → LIS |
| TP1692 | FNC → LIS |
| TP1824 | TER → LIS |
| TP1864 | PDL → LIS |
