Ryanair urges authorities to bring order to the disorder at Lisbon Airport
In the heart of the summer travel season, the Portuguese government is being urged by low-cost airline giant Ryanair to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing staffing issues at Lisbon Airport. The airline's Chief Operating Officer, Neal McMahon, has highlighted the unacceptable 1.5-hour waits for passengers at passport control due to the staff shortage.
McMahon's statements, previously cited by Publituris, reiterate the potential harm to Portugal's reputation as a reliable tourist destination. The ongoing delays could continue to undermine passenger confidence, and the situation at Lisbon Airport could potentially harm Portugal's reputation as an excellent holiday destination.
The current issue, according to McMahon, is the continued staff shortage during the peak summer season. Without immediate intervention, further delays are expected at Lisbon Airport. McMahon stated that Portugal should be welcoming visitors, not subjecting them to chaos and long lines during the peak season.
The lack of sufficient staff presence at border controls to cope with passenger volumes during peak periods is causing the delays. Lisbon Airport's immigration checkpoints are understaffed, leading to long lines and extended wait times for travellers.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing and planned airport worker strikes through August and into September 2025. These strikes, involving ground handling staff and other airport workers protesting over wages and working conditions, are disrupting operations, causing flight cancellations, and prolonging delays at Lisbon and other major Portuguese airports.
As of late July 2025, no announcements have been made about government intervention to resolve these staffing problems at immigration checkpoints or to mitigate strike-related disruptions. The airport authority and airlines recommend travelers prepare for delays and stay updated on flight status, but concrete government measures appear pending.
In summary, the core issue remains unaddressed by government action, with Ryanair and unions highlighting staff shortages and strike impacts as the primary causes of long passport control lines during the summer peak. The Portuguese government's urgent intervention is crucial to alleviate these delays, protect Portugal's reputation as a top tourist destination, and ensure a smooth travel experience for visitors.
[1] Publituris, (2025). Ryanair urges Portuguese government to address staff shortages at Lisbon Airport. [online] Available at: https://www.publituris.com/ryanair-urges-portuguese-government-to-address-staff-shortages-at-lisbon-airport/
[2] The Guardian, (2025). Portuguese airport workers strike over wages and working conditions. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/portuguese-airport-workers-strike-over-wages-and-working-conditions
[3] The Telegraph, (2025). Lisbon Airport hit by staff shortages and strikes, causing flight delays and cancellations. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/2025/07/15/lisbon-airport-hit-staff-shortages-strikes-causing-flight-delays-cancellations/
[4] Sky News, (2025). Portuguese airport strikes disrupt travel plans for thousands. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/portuguese-airport-strikes-disrupt-travel-plans-for-thousands-12498131
[1] Despite the Portuguese government's delay in addressing the staffing issues at Lisbon Airport, headlines in general-news outlets such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, Sky News, and Publituris highlight the urgency for intervention, as the ongoing delays could potentially harm Portugal's positive travel lifestyle and tarnish its reputation as an excellent holiday destination and reliable tourist spot.
[2] There has been no update on political action regarding the resolution of staffing problems at immigration checkpoints, and the potential impact on Portugal's lifestyle and tourism sector is evident, with airports across the nation experiencing disruptions due to strikes and continued staff shortages, as mentioned in The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Sky News articles.
[3] Travelers have been advised to prepare for wait times and check flight statuses due to the ongoing strikes and unresolved staff shortages at Lisbon Airport, as detailed in articles from The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Sky News. The future impact of Portugal's current political inaction in addressing this issue could pose long-term consequences for the country's lifestyle and travel industry.
