Etihad Halts All Flights to This City Due to Ongoing Strike

ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) has announced the cancellation of its daily flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Lisbon Portela International Airport (LIS), effective December 11, 2025. This decision comes in response to a national industrial strike that impacts all airlines operating at Lisbon airport.

The strike has caused a halt in public transport, essential services, and air travel across Portugal. Etihad urges passengers to update their contact details on its official website to receive real-time travel assistance.

Etihad Cancels Flights from Abu Dhabi to Lisbon

Etihad Airways has decided to cancel flight EY099 from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Lisbon (LIS), as well as the return service EY100 on Thursday, December 11. The airline has cited “National Industrial Action affecting all airlines in Lisbon airport” as the reason behind this disruption.

In a statement, Etihad expressed its apologies for the inconvenience, assuring passengers that their teams are working diligently to assist with travel arrangements. The strike has seen participation from various sectors, including teachers, healthcare workers, municipal employees, and transport operators, leading to a significant standstill in much of Portugal’s public services.

In the aviation sector, the SNPVAC civil aviation union represents over 5,000 cabin crew members from TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and Azores Airlines. Their involvement in the strike is causing considerable disruptions at Lisbon and Porto airports.

This labor action highlights vulnerabilities in vital European travel routes, as international carriers face operational challenges amidst this ongoing dispute.

Travelers heading to Portugal are advised to stay updated with airline announcements and local advisories, as this may influence future labor policies in the region.

First General Strike in Portugal Since 2013

Portugal is currently experiencing its first general strike since 2013, sparked by a collective effort from the country’s two largest union organizations, CGTP and UGT.

Reportedly, this strike is aimed at opposing government proposals that would facilitate easier employee dismissals and expand the range of essential services required to function during industrial actions.

Union leaders argue that these proposed reforms would undermine collective bargaining rights, restrict the right to protest, and favor employers, particularly in light of the recent economic recovery.

Etihad Airways reaffirms that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the airline’s foremost priority. It has apologized for any inconvenience and indicated that its teams are making efforts to assist travelers with their new arrangements.

Advice for Affected Passengers

Etihad emphasizes that the “safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our number one priority.” The airline is working to minimize the impact of travel disruptions by offering alternative options and refunds.

Passengers traveling to or from Portugal during the strike should regularly check the status of their flights and stay informed through airline updates. Disruptions could also affect connecting journeys via Lisbon or Porto, regardless of whether the operating airline is involved in the strike.

Etihad advises passengers to visit etihad.com/contactme to update their contact information. The airline sincerely apologizes for the impact on travel plans and is closely monitoring the situation.

Travelers are encouraged to stay vigilant and keep an eye on communications, as airlines may adjust schedules in response to the changing operational landscape.