“The constant dialogue with both the ministry led by Miguel Pinto Luz [Infrastructures] and the airline has ensured that, despite the unstable strike scenario, the impact on accessibility to the autonomous region is minimal”, reads a note released by the Madeira Regional Secretariat for Economy, Tourism and Culture.

The executive adds that, “in accordance with dispatch no. 20/2024 published on the website of the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations, the entire Lisbon-Porto Santo operation is guaranteed, as well as all international connections to Madeira”.

“At least two thirds of domestic flights to Madeira (Lisbon-Funchal and Porto-Funchal) will continue to operate on 15, 16 and 17 August”.

The remaining domestic flights “are still scheduled, which means they may be operated, depending on the number of people who join the strike”, the transport ministry said.

Since the easyJet strike was announced on 1 August, the Regional Government of Madeira has been in contact with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing and the airline to try to ensure air operations to the region - “not only the minimum services”, but also the remaining connections.

Stating that it does not question the reasons that led to the three-day strike being called, the Madeiran PSD executive, led by Migue Albuquerque, defends the “regional interest of an outermost region of the European Union” and the importance of ensuring territorial continuity.

In these contacts, it was highlighted that the lack of connections would affect, among other things, medical appointments and treatments on the mainland, the return home of many people and the loss of holidays “in some cases non-refundable”.

The National Union of Civil Aviation Staff (SNPVAC) called for a three-day strike by cabin crew at easyJet, between 15 and 17 August, a decision approved at a general meeting, with 99% of votes in favour, accusing the company of ignoring the various attempts to resolve labour issues, including the lack of staff and the increase in the number of working hours.

The strike will start at 00:01 on Thursday and end at midnight on Saturday, for “all flights operated by easyJet, as well as for other services to which cabin crew are assigned”, on national territory.

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