Court declares 'minimum service' flights to Mozambique

The Portuguese arbitration court ruled on Monday on the required minimum services for the ten day long strike (1 to 10 of May) scheduled by TAP pilots. The 'very long' duration of the strike was one of the factors that weighed in the decision.In terms of the operation to be held during the strike, it has been decided that three return flights (to and from Mozambique) must occur throughout the period of the strike.And in the case of Brazil, two return flights and two back in each day strike.For the decision, the court explains that circumstances were considered as the very long duration of the strike, the fact that, from May onwards, demand on air transportation grows. The decision also argued that the agglomeration of passengers may involve security issues and the need to ensure the return of aircrafts into the Portuguese national territory.The court also pointed out the fact that in Mozambique lives a significant community of Portuguese citizens.The flights to Angola will be held daily, during the strike.