Lisbon, May 26, 2026 (Lusa) - The Portuguese Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRESP) has said that the general strike on 3 June will exacerbate the sector’s losses and is calling for the suspension of the EES (EU Entry/Exit System).

The association said that Portugal's airports were showing signs of operational collapse and cautioned that the strike on 3 June could cause further financial damage.

“Portugal invests in international promotion as a destination of excellence, yet allows the visitor’s first experience to be hours spent queuing, a missed connection, a negative reaction on social media or a booking that is not repeated,” the statement said.

AHRESP called on Tuesday for the suspension of the EES (EU Entry/Exit System) on an urgent basis until the end of September, which would speed up passenger checks and reduce waiting times at airports.

The association also called for “negotiation and a sense of responsibility among all parties involved, to avoid a strike in aviation and airport services, which would result in further damage to sectors that continue to face severe economic pressures”.

AJR/MYAL // ADB

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