The cabin crew of easyJet in Portugal is on strike from October 2 to October 6, 2026, disrupting the airline's operations at its three main bases in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. This strike has resulted in the cancellation of 443 flights during this period, which accounts for roughly 80% of the original flight schedule planned for the time. A second strike is set for December 19 to December 23, a time close to Christmas, when more people typically travel, potentially leading to even greater disruptions. The strike occurs during a public holiday in Portugal on October 5, which could make it harder for tourists and travelers returning home over the weekend. To manage the situation, easyJet plans to keep around 55% of its flights operating by adjusting flight frequencies and using cabin crew members from other bases across its European network. The labor dispute involves several issues, including unstable work schedules, challenges in implementing a collective agreement, wage progression, and working conditions under a new contract. The SNPVAC, the main Portuguese union for commercial aircrew, criticizes easyJet for offering lower wages in Portugal compared to other airlines and to easyJet's operations in other countries. The union also claims the airline is mismanaging operations and forcing employees to take on extra hours to cover understaffing. easyJet calls the union's demands "unrealistic" and points out that the affected employees earn significantly more than the average wage in Portugal. The airline expressed disappointment with the strikes, which are still being negotiated with the Portuguese Directorate General of Employment and Labor Relations (DGERT). The SNPVAC also accuses easyJet of using managers and crews from other bases to replace striking workers, allowing the airline to keep some flights running that might otherwise be canceled. The strike was decided unanimously by 188 easyJet employees during an emergency meeting after "numerous attempts" to resolve disputes over work and pay. For travelers affected by the cancellations, easyJet advises checking their flight status through the airline's app or website. Passengers with canceled flights can choose between a refund, rerouting, or adjusting their booking based on the carrier's proposed solutions.