Travellers to Portugal are being warned that they could face delays due to a strike by airport security workers.
Security staff at Portugal’s airports are due to take industrial action between May 13 and 17. The strike comes just days after a fuel pump breakdown at Lisbon airport grounded flights and stranded passengers.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is warning that this strike may cause delays to journeys to the country.
“If you’re travelling during this period, make allowance for the additional time it may take to go through security control and to check-in luggage,” said the FCO in its travel advice for Portugal.
Easyjet said it was “expecting longer security queues” at Portuguese airports during the five-day strike.
“We have been informed that airport staff will be there to reduce any impact caused by the strike. However we strongly recommend that you allow extra time for your journey through the airport to be able to get to the gate on time,” said the airline in a statement.
The strike by security staff coincides with increased security measures at Portugal’s main transport hubs due to the current visit of Pope Francis who will be in the country from May 12 to 13 as he makes a pilgrimage to Fatima in central Portugal.
“Portugal will impose border controls on all travellers between 10 and 14 May 2017 to enhance security during the Pope’s visit. Allow extra time to go through passport control at airports, seaports and border crossings,” advised the FCO.
These measures have included the temporary suspension in Portugal of the Schengen cross-border arrangements for May 10-14.