Ground handling strike on Azores to affect Sata Air Açores and Azores Airlines

Travellers flying to and from the Azores should expect disruption in late October and early November. The unions Sintac and Sitava have called a strike at ground handler Sata Handling from 21 October to 3 November 2026, and flights operated by Sata Air Açores and Azores Airlines are the most likely to be affected.

The walkouts are scheduled in two phases. From 21 to 27 October, staff are due to stop work daily between 07:30 and 10:30. From 28 October to 3 November, the strike window moves to 16:00 to 19:00 each day.

The Sata Group has introduced a special arrangement for passengers booked on flights during the first week of action. Those affected can move their booking to a date between 18 October and 10 November without a fee or fare difference, according to the group. The offer covers only flights originally scheduled between 07:30 and 10:30 from 21 to 27 October. Refunds are not part of the arrangement.