easyJet strike ends today: Why are the balance sheets of the company and the union different?

The strike of easyJet cabin crew in Portugal, which lasted from 2 to 6 October, ends today. However, the figures announced by the airline company and the union differ significantly regarding how effective the five-day action was.

easyJet announced that 786 flights were initially planned during the strike period, but after preventive schedule changes, 442 flights were left in the schedule and 428 of them would be operated.

SNPVAC, on the other hand, argues that in addition to the 343 flights previously canceled, 26 more flights were canceled during the action and that participation in the strike was 100 percent.

Why do the two sides give different figures?

A significant part of the difference relates to which flights are considered “cancelled due to strike”.

easyJet removed hundreds of flights from the schedule before the strike began to avoid uncertainty for passengers.

For this reason, the company highlights the proportion of flights it operates on operational days.

The union also considers preventive cancellations as a direct result of the strike.

For this reason, the company's statement that "we carried out most of the planned operation" and the union's assessment that "cancellations approached 90 percent" are not based on the same mathematical basis.

Foreign team debate moved to ACT

SNPVAC also alleged that easyJet operated some flights bringing in cabin crew from bases outside Portugal, which amounted to unlawful substitution of striking employees. argues.

The union notified the Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho regarding eight flights.

easyJet states that its operations comply with applicable legislation.

Since at this stage the competent authority does not have a final decision concluding that easyJet acted unlawfully, it is not correct to present the union's claim as a proven violation.

What should a passenger with a flight today do?

The strike continues through October 6.

Passengers traveling with easyJet from Lisboa, Porto and Faro must check their flight status through the company's app or booking channel before heading to the airport.

If the flight is cancelled, the passenger has EU passenger rights such as redirection or refund of the ticket price.

Meal, accommodation and other assistance rights may also come into play depending on the waiting period and circumstances.

However, the right to cash compensation does not occur automatically for every cancellation; It needs to be evaluated separately according to the circumstances of the incident.

There is a strike again in December

The end of today's action does not mean the conflict is over.

SNPVAC has already announced a second strike period for 19–23 December 2026.

These dates coincide with the busy travel period before Christmas.

Those who will travel to or from Portugal with easyJet in December will need to follow new developments.

Resources

DGERT — Strike easyJet/SNPVAC

https://www.dgert.gov.pt/despacho-sm-n-o-51-25-09-easyjet_snpvac-greve-de-3-a-6-de-outubro-e-de-19-a-23-dezembro

ECO — October 5, 2026

https://eco.sapo.pt/2026/10/05/easyjet-diz-que-vai-operar-428-voos-durante-greve-e-contesta-impacto-de-quase-90/