STRIKES across Portugal are set to go ahead tomorrow causing widespread disruption across the country.
Rail workers, cabin crew and public transport staff are all staging a walkout.
At its airports in Portugal, strike action is predicted to affect hundreds of flights with 500 at risk of being cancelled and delayed.
Over half of these flights are operated by TAP Air Portugal, as well as other Portugália and SATA services.
On social media, TAP Air Portugal said it would still operate a minimum of 79, it is also rebooking travel options for affected passengers.
The airline Air Europa has cancelled all of its flights between Madrid and Lisbon and Porto.
The union added that easyJet and Ryanair flights are also expected to be impacted.
easyJet told Sun Travel: “Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme.
“We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected.
“While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause.”
Ryanair however told The Independent that it did not expect any disruption and would operate as normal.
Away from airports, staff working for FECTRANS are expected to walkout.
This is expected to limit service on the Lisbon Metro and will disrupt those with travel plans across the city.
Union members include those working on the Porto Metro, so Porto is another city set to be majorly affected by the strike action.
Due to the sheer volume of staff strikes, it’s thought that the delays could impact travel on the following days, too.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.