Travelers planning to fly between the United Arab Emirates and Portugal this week are facing an unexpected headache, as a sweeping general strike in Portugal has triggered the cancellation of multiple international flights, leaving thousands scrambling for alternatives. The disruption, which comes at the height of the holiday travel season, has put a spotlight on the far-reaching effects of labor disputes and the delicate balance airlines must maintain during peak periods.
According to reports from Portugal Pulse and other outlets, the general strike is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, and has been called by Portugal’s two largest trade unions, CGTP and UGT. Their aim? To protest proposed reforms to the country’s labor laws. The strike has seen widespread participation from public sector workers, including teachers, health professionals, and transport employees—groups whose absence can bring much of the country to a standstill.
The ripple effects of the strike extend well beyond Portugal’s borders. On December 10, both Emirates and Etihad Airways announced the cancellation of several flights between the UAE and Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital. Specifically, Emirates flights EK191 and EK193, which were to depart Dubai International Airport for Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon on December 11, have been scrapped. The return legs, EK192 and EK194, are also off the board. Etihad Airways, for its part, has cancelled flight EY099 from Abu Dhabi to Lisbon and the corresponding return, EY100, on the same day.
For travelers, this news couldn’t have come at a worse time. December marks the busiest month ever for Dubai International Airport, with over 10 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals. The sudden loss of these key routes, as reported by Portugal Pulse, has left many passengers stranded or forced to make last-minute changes to their plans. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has urged affected customers to contact the airline directly for help with rebooking or rescheduling. “Passengers who were scheduled to connect through Dubai on these flights are advised that they will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin,” the airline stated, apologizing for the disruption and inconvenience.
The timing of the strike is especially problematic. With so many people traveling for the holiday season, the cancellations have had a cascading effect—not just for those flying directly between the UAE and Portugal, but also for travelers connecting to other international destinations via Dubai. As Portugal Pulse points out, “the added strain of flight cancellations due to the Portugal strike makes it even more difficult for passengers to navigate their travel plans.”
Emirates and Etihad Airways are not the only carriers feeling the pinch. Other airlines, such as Etihad’s competitor airlines, have also been forced to adjust their schedules or cancel flights in response to the industrial action. The disruption underscores just how vulnerable the global aviation network can be to labor unrest, especially when it strikes during periods of peak demand.
Behind the scenes, the general strike is the product of mounting frustration among Portugal’s public sector workers. The unions organizing the walkout have expressed strong opposition to the government’s proposed labor law reforms, which they argue would undermine workers’ rights and job security. The participation of key sectors—including the SNPVAC, the cabin crew union—has amplified the strike’s impact, making it one of the most significant labor actions in recent years.
Yet, not all unions are on the same page. In a twist reported by Portugal Pulse, the pre-hospital emergency technicians union (STEPH) announced on December 9 that it would retract its participation in the general strike, following a meeting with Portugal’s Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins. The union’s president explained that “the extraordinary reason” for joining the strike had been resolved, thanks to the government’s renewed commitment to fulfilling a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2025. This agreement, which focuses on the implementation of clinical action protocols for emergency care, is now expected to be completed by the end of the year. “In this meeting, the minister reinforced the commitment to fulfill this memorandum of understanding, even maintaining the same deadlines. The intention is to complete it by the end of the year since most of the work is practically done,” said Rui Lázaro, the union leader.
Despite STEPH’s withdrawal, pre-hospital emergency technicians remain free to join the strike individually in protest against the broader labor package. The government and the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) have moved to reassure the public that essential emergency services will be maintained. On December 5, INEM announced that minimum service levels had been set for the strike and expressed confidence that “no emergency situation would go unaddressed.”
The clinical action protocols at the heart of the STEPH dispute have been a long time coming. Envisioned since 2016 and endorsed by the Medical Association, these protocols enable pre-hospital emergency technicians to administer certain drugs in critical situations—actions previously reserved for doctors or nurses. Since August, protocols for anaphylaxis, seizure, and sepsis have been implemented, while those for pain and seizure response are still pending. The union’s decision to step back from the strike reflects their satisfaction with the government’s progress on these issues, but also highlights the complexity of labor negotiations in the public sector.
For the thousands of travelers caught in the crossfire, the focus remains on finding a way to reach their destinations. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways are working to accommodate affected passengers, but with Dubai International Airport experiencing record traffic, the process is anything but smooth. The airlines have encouraged passengers to stay in close contact for updates and to explore alternative routes as soon as possible.
The broader lesson from this week’s disruption is clear: international travel remains highly susceptible to external shocks, whether from labor disputes, political unrest, or other unforeseen events. For those planning trips during busy periods or to destinations with ongoing social tensions, vigilance and flexibility are essential. As the aviation industry continues to recover from years of turbulence, the events in Portugal serve as a potent reminder that the journey is rarely as straightforward as it seems on paper.
As the general strike unfolds and airlines rush to adapt, travelers and workers alike are left navigating uncertainty—each hoping for a swift resolution and a return to normalcy.
