The strike on December 8 and 9 of Portugal’s flag carrier airline TAP would have an impact on revenue of about €8 million, while the airline would also lose half of its capacity.

In addition, according to the recent report of the Portugal News, the strike would also lead to the cancellation of 360 flights and about 50,000 travellers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The CEO of TAP Portugal, Christine Ourmières-Widener, has confirmed the planned strike scheduled for December 8 and 9, while stressing that she is eager for the meeting of the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel in which a final decision will be taken in this regard.

In this regard, ECO said that if the strike takes action, about half of the air carrier’s capacity would be affected. In addition, it has been emphasized that about 60 per cent of flights were booked while the strike would affect nearly 50,000 travellers. In addition, almost 25 per cent of them have already rebooked their flights.

“Our priority is to protect our customers. We received the strike notice on Monday. The union decided to keep the general meeting for the 6th, but whatever the decision, because of the size of TAP, it will be too late”, said the CEO, of TAP Portugal, pointed out while stressing that if there is no immediate action then there will be a significant impact on the customers.

The executive director added that the situation will be managed, stressing that they want to discuss effective ways so the airline can progress more constructively.

Earlier this month, the flag carrier airline of Portugal announced that it may be obliged to cancel over 400 flights for a period between November and December this year.

In addition, in September this year, TAP Air Portugal, was subject to criticism from the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who added that TAP costs the citizens a lot of money.

According to local media reports back then, TAP is absorbing millions of Portuguese state aid however, it is offering fewer flights and higher fares in comparison to other airlines.

Irish carrier, Ryanair, through a statement, expressed its support to the President of Portugal regarding criticism that TAP is offering high-priced services despite state aid.

“TAP shamefully continues to absorb 3.2 billion euros in Portuguese state aid, offering even fewer flights and much higher fares to the detriment of the Portuguese tourist market, economic growth and taxpayers’ money,” Ryanair says.

However, despite the difficulties that TAP Portugal is facing, Portugal’s airports managed to welcome a large number of internationals.

 

Source: www.schengenvisainfo.com