No disruption to flights from Scotland

COURIER COUNTRY travellers escaped any major disruption as the strikes over austerity measures swept across Europe.

There were no cancellations at either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports but both sites said they would keep the public updated.

Easyjet reported that all of its Scottish flights to and from the continent remained on schedule.

Stewart Lloyd- Jones from Dundee, who works as a consultant for the Lisbon University Institute, said the strike action was being strongly supported within the Portuguese public sector.

He said most public universities and government offices were closed yesterday, as was Lisbon Metro and all urban, suburban, regional and intercity train services.

“The Tagus ferries in Lisbon are running a reduced service and there is no effective bus service in the Lisbon area,” Mr LloydJones added.

“Most hospitals are offering emergency only service, TA P A ir Portugal has cancelled half of its flights and there is severe disruption at Lisbon and Faro airports.

“Portuguese news is saying 90-100% of public sector workers, mainly in admin, transport and health, are supporting the strike.”

Courier contact Kenny Scott (27), who lives in Madrid, said protests had only had a minimal impact on the city.

“Metros have been running a little late apparently but as far as I can see out there most things are open for business,” he added.

Edoardo Zandonà, who attended Edinburgh University, said there was a protest in his home town of Padoa, Italy, and wider gatherings in the larger cities.

“I live in a medium-sized town and the looks of it this morning was kind of normal,” he added.

“A s p o ke s m a n for Barrhead Travel, which has a branch in Dundee, said there had been no impact on any of its customers.