ANAC told Lusa News Agencu it had called the airline managers to explain what was going on and to keep passengers properly informed.

The authority also said it was in permanent contact with the affected passengers who had contacted ANAC for help about refunds and compensation and it had supported passengers with their claims.

The Portuguese pilots’ union SPAC said it has been appealing to pilots to ask for overdue days off and not to accept flights on their days off and holidays as a means of pressuring the airline.

There have been dozens of cancellations in the past few days without TAP giving any details, just regretting the situation and saying it would compensate the affected passengers.