SATA Handling strike at Azores airports runs to 3 November, with SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines warning of disruption

A strike by ground-handling staff at SATA Handling is affecting the Azores airports between 21 October and 3 November 2026. In a passenger notice, the SATA Group says the strike was called by the SITAVA and SINTAC unions and that disruption may occur on SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines flights during this period.

According to the notice, the stoppages take place in two daily windows. From 21 to 27 October the strike runs from 07:30 to 10:30; from 28 October to 3 November it moves to 16:00 to 19:00. SATA Air Açores has published a list of inter-island flights covered by minimum services on specific dates. Azores Airlines has no minimum-service flights; the group says international flights returning to base may operate if the aircraft lands before the strike starts in each operating cycle, with the essential handling guaranteed, while domestic flights do not have that guarantee.

The strike matters to anyone flying within the Azores or between the islands and mainland Portugal in the coming days, especially as the daily window moves to the late afternoon from 28 October. SATA says passengers may change their booking free of charge to a flight outside the strike period, between 18 October and 10 November, subject to availability at the time. It also recommends travelling with cabin baggage only, checking in online before leaving for the airport, arriving with the recommended time in advance and heading to the boarding gate after acceptance.

It is not yet established which individual flights will be cancelled or delayed on each day. Passengers should check the status of their flight and the minimum-services list directly with SATA Air Açores or Azores Airlines before travelling. AeroDue does not decide or handle claims.