General strike in Portugal and air traffic control strike in Belgium: What air travelers need to know now
from Georg Loderbauer
A nationwide general strike has been paralyzing much of Portugal’s transportation system since June 3—and Belgium is currently also affected by air traffic strikes. For travelers from Austria, this raises questions about their flight connections and their rights for both destinations.
Portugal: The Portuguese trade union confederation CGTP has called for a full-day general strike on June 3 to protest the government’s planned labor market reforms.
Numerous transportation unions have joined the call, including the cabin crew union SNPVAC. Up to 500 flights could ultimately be affected, primarily at the airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet are particularly affected.
Belgium: On June 2, a strike severely disrupted operations at Brussels Airport after air traffic controllers called for a spontaneous walkout. All departures were temporarily suspended; Austrian airlines, such as Austrian Airlines, were also affected by cancellations.
Direct flights from Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck to Portugal are affected, as are connecting flights via Lisbon or Brussels.
You are likely not entitled to compensation
The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (Regulation 261/2004) governs passengers' rights in the event of flight delays and cancellations.
Strikes by parties not directly affiliated with the airline are generally considered extraordinary circumstances that cannot be avoided despite all reasonable measures. This means that airlines are generally not required to pay the flat-rate compensation of up to 600 euros, as the strike is beyond their operational control. This applies both to the politically motivated general strike in Portugal and to the air traffic controllers’ action in Belgium.
The right to care services remains in effect
This does not affect the right to assistance. This right applies regardless of whether or not there are extraordinary circumstances. In the event of long wait times or the need for overnight accommodations, the airline is required to provide the following free of charge:
- Meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodations, if an overnight stay is necessary
- Transportation between the airport and your accommodation
- Communication options (two phone calls, emails, or faxes)
Airlines cannot use the strike as an excuse to deny these services. If the airline does not respond on the ground and passengers have to cover the costs themselves, they should keep all receipts—they can later submit these to the airlines for reimbursement.
Option in the event of cancellation
If the flight is canceled, those affected have a choice:
- Rebooking to the next available flight at no extra charge, or
- Full refund of the ticket price if the trip is no longer to be taken
If airlines do not offer these services at or refuse to issue a refund, the Agency for Passenger Rights will assist you Agency for Passenger Rights and without commission