Portugal: Lisbon Metro Strikes Set for October 28 and 30 Mornings

October 17, 2026 — Lisbon Metro workers have announced two partial strikes, on Wednesday, October 28, and Friday, October 30, from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. The morning stoppages could disrupt all four metro lines, including the Red Line that serves Lisbon Airport.

The strikes

Dates and times: October 28 and October 30, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Normal metro hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., so the morning peak is affected.
Unions: Metro workers’ unions, including the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (FECTRANS).
Lines: Yellow (Rato–Odivelas), Green (Telheiras–Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira–Santa Apólonia) and Red (Aeroporto–São Sebastião).
Why: The unions say the company has not honored an agreement signed on April 13, 2026, and point to staff shortages in the control center and among train operators, heavy overtime, longer shifts and delayed training. They have also raised complaints of workplace harassment, which the company says have only been described in general terms.
Minimum services: Lisbon Metro will ask an arbitration tribunal to set minimum services, as it did for the 24-hour strike on October 14 that shut the network for the day. The level is not yet known (TBA).
Company response: Lisbon Metro called the strikes disproportionate, said about 100 workers are involved, and said it remains open to talks. A recruitment and training plan is due to be completed in the second half of December.

What it means for airline travelers

Arriving at or leaving Lisbon Airport before 10 a.m. on October 28 or 30? Don’t count on the Red Line. Allow time for a taxi, ride-share or bus instead, and expect more road traffic than usual.
If you are catching an early flight, book your transport to the airport the night before.
Check Lisbon Metro’s website on the day for the minimum-service plan; service should resume after 10 a.m.