Stark warning to Brits heading on holiday abroad for half term
BRITS planning a holiday abroad this half term face long queues and busy airports due to strikes and soaring demand.
Not only are both airport and airline staff walking out, but this weekend is expected to be the busiest for Brits since 2019.
The Spanish Airline Pilots Union (SEPLA) are walking out on a number of days up to June 2, with Air Europa cancelling 114 flights.
The strikes are taking place from May 26-29 and June 1-2.
EasyJet has also cancelled 384 flights to and from Portugal due to a cabin crew strike taking place on May 26, 28, 30 and June 1 and 3.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance due to other strikes across Portugal.
The strikes include the Inspectors of the Foreigners and Border Services (SEF) which affects border control at airports.
Airport strikes at Porto, Madeira and Faro are taking place on May 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Lisbon Airport strikes will take place from May 27-29, June 3-5, June 10-12, June 17-19 and June 24-26.
The UK Foreign Office states: “If you are travelling during this period, allow additional time to clear border control when entering and exiting Portugal.
“You should consult your airline or tour operator for updates prior to travel.”
In Italy, strike action taking place tomorrow is to affect bus, train and tram services across the country, while protests are still ongoing in France against the pension reform.
Heathrow Airport staff are also walking out this weekend, with around 1,400 Unite members striking from May 25-27.
British Airways has advised passengers to allow more time as there will be fewer security lanes, although a Heathrow spokesperson said no flights are expected to be cancelled.
And the Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be one of the busiest days for flights since 2019.
According to data from Cirium, more than 11,000 flights are scheduled to take off over the weekend, working out to more than two million seats.
Tomorrow will see the highest number of departures since December 2019, with around 3,000 taking off.
Martin Lewis has explained what you should do if your flight is cancelled.