Portugal's Airports Face Chaos as Staff Shortages Disrupt Travel

As the peak travel season begins, Portugal's major airports are experiencing significant strain. Budget airline Ryanair has called for government intervention to address the situation, fearing a negative impact on tourism. This month, the country's busiest airports, including Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, have witnessed chaotic scenes.

Many travelers are now questioning their eligibility for compensation due to travel disruptions caused by staff shortages and lengthy queues. Ryanair has urgently requested action from the newly formed Portuguese government, warning that the staffing crisis at immigration checkpoints threatens the summer tourist season.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers affected by flight delays or missed flights may be entitled to rebooking, care, and potentially financial compensation. However, an expert has pointed out that compensation rights can be unclear when delays are caused by border control staffing shortages rather than airline-related issues.

Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, a company specializing in airline compensation, explained that passengers may be entitled to compensation or rerouting under EU Regulation 261/2004 if severe border control delays at major Portuguese airports lead to missed flights, particularly if the airline could have taken steps to mitigate the disruption. However, airlines are not obligated to pay compensation if the delay or missed flight resulted from factors beyond their control, such as political instability, extreme weather, or airport staff strikes, including border control issues not managed by the airline.

Danailov added that if the airline could have reasonably anticipated the disruption, such as repeated border delays, and failed to act, courts have sometimes ruled in favor of the passenger. For example, they might argue the airline should have allocated more time for security and border procedures or coordinated better. Regardless, passengers are entitled to care and rebooking.

Ryanair's COO, Neal McMahon, stated that passengers, including those traveling with families, are experiencing unacceptable border control delays of up to 2.5 hours at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports due to staff shortages. He noted that over the past two weeks, more than 270 passengers have missed their flights because the airport operator, ANA, has not ensured adequate staffing for border control at these major airports. Ryanair urges the new government to urgently address the ongoing border control staff shortages to prevent Portuguese families from enduring lengthy queues during their holidays.