Emirates cancels flights on key European route amid national strike

Dubai: Emirates has cancelled all scheduled services to and from Lisbon on Thursday, December 11, as Portugal prepares for a nationwide general strike that is expected to paralyse the country’s transport sector.

Four flights have been suspended: EK191 and EK193 from Dubai to Lisbon, and the return services EK192 and EK194 from Lisbon to Dubai. The disruption will affect passengers connecting through Dubai, with the airline confirming that “customers connecting through Dubai on flights EK191 and EK193 on December 11 will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin.”

The airline advised affected travellers who booked directly with Emirates to contact its customer service for alternative travel options, while those who made bookings through travel agencies should reach out to their agents for rebooking assistance. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers,” Emirates said in a statement.

Nationwide walkout set to halt services

The flight cancellations coincide with Portugal’s first general strike since 2013, when the country implemented sweeping austerity measures in exchange for international bailout funds. The two largest unions, CGTP and UGT, have called the industrial action to protest the government’s proposed labour law reforms.

The planned legislation seeks to make it easier for employers to dismiss staff, extend fixed-term contracts and widen the list of services deemed essential during strikes. Labour representatives argue that these reforms would erode job security and weaken collective bargaining rights.

Public-sector employees, teachers, healthcare workers and public transport staff are expected to take part in the strike, which is likely to halt air, rail and urban transit across major Portuguese cities. Worker representatives said the strike would underline widespread discontent with the minority right-wing administration’s economic agenda.

Airline unions have also joined the nationwide protest. The civil aviation union SNPVAC, which represents around 5,000 crew members from TAP Air Portugal, as well as cabin crews from easyJet, Ryanair and Azores Airlines, has confirmed its participation. The walkout is expected to cause significant flight disruptions at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport and other major gateways.

Travellers urged to stay informed

Emirates has urged all affected passengers to keep their contact details updated through its Manage Your Booking portal to receive the latest updates. The carrier said it is working closely with partners and authorities to assist stranded passengers and restore normal operations once the strike subsides.