Portugal declares a state of alert for Depressão Charles as TAP opens free changes for 10 and 11 November

The Portuguese Government has declared a state of alert for 11 November because of the worsening weather brought by Depressão Charles. The announcement, made on 10 November by the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, coincides with a TAP Air Portugal alert warning that adverse conditions across Portuguese territory on 10 and 11 November will affect its operation.

According to the Government, IPMA has issued red warnings for strong wind in eight districts: Faro, Setúbal and Beja from 09:00 to 21:00, and Évora, Santarém, Lisboa, Leiria and Portalegre from 12:00 to 21:00. Mainland Portugal faces heavy rain, wind of up to 120 km/h and waves of up to 6 m south of Cabo Carvoeiro, while Madeira expects intense rain, gusts of up to 130 km/h and waves of up to 4.5 m. The Azores are not expected to be affected. The minister asked people to stay at home where possible and to avoid unnecessary travel; schools and non-essential public services close.

TAP says customers with tickets issued until 10 November for travel until 11 November can move to flights until 17 November, in the same cabin, without any penalty, on its website or through travel agents. The airline advises passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

The Government notice does not address airport operations, and neither source lists specific cancelled flights. Passengers flying to, from or within Portugal today should confirm the status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling and allow for difficult road conditions on the way to the airport.