easyJet Strikes Loom: Swiss Airports Face Disruptions in October, December

September 26, 2026 — easyJet faces significant flight disruptions impacting Swiss airports, with cabin crew in Portugal planning strikes in early October and late December, and pilots in France also scheduling action for early October. The strikes are anticipated to cause widespread cancellations during the autumn holiday period.

Portuguese Cabin Crew Announce Two Strike Waves

easyJet cabin crew employees in Portugal have voted to proceed with two waves of strikes this autumn. The first is scheduled from October 2 to 6, with a second wave planned for December 19 to 23. While the primary impact is expected at airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, Swiss airports, including EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Geneva Airport, and Zurich Airport, are already experiencing cancellations. According to Swiss media outlet 20 Minuten, approximately 500 flights could be grounded during the October strike period alone.

French Pilot Action Adds to Disruptions

In addition to the Portuguese action, easyJet pilots in France, represented by the SNPL union, are scheduled to strike on October 1 and 2. This strike has been postponed twice as negotiations between the airline and the union continue. Should the French strike proceed, flights between Swiss airports and major French cities such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Lyon, Nice, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Toulouse may face disruption in early October.

Reasons for Industrial Action

The industrial action stems from various grievances. Portuguese easyJet staff cite the airline's failure to honor collective bargaining agreements, habitual schedule changes, and reliance on overtime to compensate for staffing shortages. French easyJet pilots express similar concerns regarding frequent and short-notice schedule alterations.

Passenger Information and Outlook

easyJet has stated it will contact affected customers directly via email, text message, or the mobile app. Passengers are advised to regularly check their booking status and flight information. Depending on the extent of cancellations or severe delays, passengers may be entitled to compensation, a full refund, or rebooking options. The feasibility of the second Portuguese strike in December remains subject to ongoing negotiations between easyJet and the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) in the coming months.