The low-cost airline Ryanair probably doesn't like the fact that in the struggle for additional take-off and landing rights in Lisbon they lost out to arch-rival Easyjet of all things. Due to state aid, top dog Tap Air Portugal had to give up 18 pairs of slots.

The Irish low coster was already pretty sure that they would be awarded the contract. Numerous tickets were sold and a few weeks ago there was the first setback: the take-off and landing rights required for the expansion were not obtained for the time being. Ryanair speculated that Tap Air Portugal would have to give up unused slots due to the corona pandemic, but that was not the case. As a result, the low-cost airline had to do it cut the summer program planned for Lisbon and will not expand the base as originally announced.

Now there was the second setback: You don't get those take-off and landing rights that Tap Air Portugal has to give up as a condition due to the 2,55 billion euro rescue package. The regulator did not award this to Ryanair, but to Easyjet. Both carriers wanted all of the coveted slots. But only the orange-colored low coster was awarded the contract. This should not suit Ryanair at all, so that it can be expected that they will appeal.

In the next few days, the Portuguese Ryanair staff on the part of the relevant unions called for a walkout. Almost simultaneously in Italy, Belgium, France and Spain to be on strike. Among other things, higher salaries and better working conditions are required. Restrictions in air traffic are to be expected, but it is currently not foreseeable how many Ryanair employees will actually take part in the strike.