Portuguese airports are set to experience travel disruptions over the New Year as ground handling staff at SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce, plan to strike on 31 December and 1 January. The strike comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of ground handling contracts in the country.
Portugal’s arbitration court has ordered that minimum services must be maintained during the strike. Essential operations, including ground handling for state, military, emergency, humanitarian, and rescue flights, will continue. The court also mandated that flights to the country’s autonomous regions must be maintained, with at least one flight operating per route. Other critical operations necessary for the safety of people, aircraft, and airport facilities are also covered under the minimum service requirements.
The industrial action was called by Sitava, the Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union, and STHAA, the Handling, Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union. The unions cited concerns over job security linked to the tender process for ground handling licences. A preliminary report from Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) indicated that the Clece/South consortium currently leads the tender, which has raised fears among workers about potential changes in employment.
The government has extended existing ground handling licences until May 2026, but unions are seeking written assurances that jobs will be preserved. Of the approximately 3,700 SPdH/Menzies employees, around 2,000 could be directly affected by the new tender, according to union sources.
The strike threatens to disrupt operations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Airport authorities and airlines are preparing contingency plans to limit delays and ensure essential flights continue. Passengers traveling during this period are advised to check with airlines for updates and to allow extra time for airport procedures.
This industrial action reflects broader tensions in Portugal’s aviation sector, where labour unions have expressed ongoing concerns over contractual stability and workforce protections amid regulatory changes. The New Year strike underscores the challenge of balancing operational needs with worker rights, particularly during peak travel periods.
While the court order aims to prevent critical disruptions, travellers should expect some delays and logistical challenges at major airports. Airlines and airport operators will monitor the situation closely to manage the impact and ensure that essential flights are not affected.
The strike and ongoing tender process highlight the uncertainty faced by ground handling workers in Portugal as the sector adapts to new contracts and competitive pressures. The outcome of these disputes may have lasting effects on labour relations and the country’s aviation operations in the months ahead.
