Portuguese Air Traffic Controllers Strike - Advice and Information

Summary: Air Traffic Controllers in Portugal have announced that there will be walk-outs affecting flights to and from Portugal on 17 May 2012 and 18 May 2012. They have further warned of more walk-outs to occur on 25 May 2012 and 26 May 2012.

The strikes have been planned for the following times:

• 07:00 - 09:00
• 14:00 - 16:00
• 21:00 - 23:00

Airport staff have also planned a 24 hour strike on Friday, 18 May 2012. The strike is expected to have run-on delays, causing disruption up to Saturday, 19 May 2012.

Airlines Affected

The following, but not limited to, airlines are affected:

• British Airways has adjusted flights to accommodate the strikes
• TAP Air Portugal has changed schedules and cancelled some flights. Passengers affected by cancelled flights are being changed to alternative flights free of charge
• Ryanair has condemned the strikes and has also had to cancel flights. Passengers are being allowed to switch to earlier flights with no additional charge

Advice For Passengers:

• Contact your airline before travelling to the airport to check on the status of your flight
• Travellers are advised to monitor both Portuguese and UK media reports for further information
• Those due to fly can find information on flights by visiting TAP Airline's website or the Euro Control twitter feed

How this affects our customers:

Travel Insurance - Provided your policy is purchased before the strike is confirmed, you will be covered by the full schedule of benefits for:

• Travel delay - you will be provided with up to £20 coverage for the first full 12 consecutive hour delay, followed by the subsequent amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits for each full 12 hours delay thereafter
• Missed departure - you will be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and travel costs for reaching your destination if you miss the transportation you have booked due to strike action

Airport Parking - Should you need to cancel your airport parking and did not purchase a cancellation waiver when making your booking, you will be charged a cancellation fee of £5. Please note: cancellations will only be refunded if made at least 24 hours before the expected time of arrival.

Airport Hotels - You can amend or cancel a booking up to 48 hours before arrival. Depending on which hotel you book the cancellation will either be free or a fee of £15 per room will be applicable. No refunds are available if you cancel within less than 48 hours notice.

Should you need assistance in cancelling your airport parking or hotel, please call customer services on 0845 803 5434 (lines are open Monday -Friday: 9am - 5.30pm).

Summary: Portuguese air traffic controllers are participating in a 24 hour strike on Wednesday, 24th November 2010, causing major disruptions to air and rail travel.

How have transport services been affected?

• Most flights with national airline, TAP Airways, have been cancelled
• Rail services are affected from the north to the south, with nearly 80% of trains not running
• All of the country's ports are closed, according to unions
• Bus and ferry links in Lisbon are disrupted, along with the metro service

However, road traffic in the capital Lisbon is said to be normal despite the impact on public transportation.

Advice for passengers and commuters:

• Travellers should check with their relevant tour operators, airlines, airports, train and ferry companies before travelling
• Travellers are advised to monitor both Portuguese and UK media reports for further information
• Those due to fly can find information on flights by visiting TAP Airline's website or the Euro Control twitter feed

Further information can also be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website as well as the British Embassy in Portugal.

When can I expect things to return to normal?

The strike is expected to last 24 hours, ending by Thursday, 25 November 2010.

How did the air traffic controllers strike come about?

The strike action comes ahead of government's plans to cut public service wages, freeze pensions and increase taxes in an effort to quell the country's public spending and deficit. Parliament is to vote on the austerity budget on Friday, 26th November 2010.