TAP Air Portugal: When an Airline Tramples on Passengers’ Rights

On September 4, 2025, I was scheduled to travel from Dakar to Montreal, with a layover in Lisbon. After completing the first leg of the trip—Dakar to Lisbon on flight TP1484—I proceeded as usual to the boarding gate for flight TP253 to Montreal.

To my great surprise, and without any clear explanation, TAP agents denied me access to the aircraft, citing a vague “administrative/technical problem.” Yet, my travel documents were fully in order. Two of my compatriots experienced the exact same situation that day.

Unacceptable Consequences

This arbitrary refusal had severe consequences for me:

• 10 hours stranded in Lisbon without assistance: no food, water, or accommodation was provided.
• Forced return to Dakar: instead of being flown to Montreal, TAP sent me back to my point of departure.
• Baggage returned without notice: I later discovered that my suitcase had been shipped to Dakar, without any information or clear tracking.
• A new ticket purchased at my own expense: in order to reach my workplace in Canada, I had to buy a Royal Air Maroc ticket (Dakar–Casablanca–Montreal).
• Upon arrival in Montreal, exhausted, I spent more than six hours searching for my luggage, only to find out it had never left Lisbon.

A Right Violated

Despite my formal complaints and documented claim, TAP Air Portugal has denied all responsibility and refused to compensate me—an outright violation of European regulations.

A Humiliating and Discriminatory Treatment

What I experienced goes beyond a simple management error. It was a treatment that was disrespectful, humiliating, and discriminatory. How can one explain that European passengers who were initially held back were eventually allowed to board, while myself and two African compatriots were forcibly returned to Dakar?

Such practices fuel a deep sense of injustice and expose a lack of respect toward certain categories of passengers.

A Call to Action

I refuse to let this incident go unnoticed. My testimony also reflects the experiences of many travelers who have suffered similar abuses.

I call on my fellow citizens and all travelers to #BoycottTAP and to share this message widely. Together, we must raise our voices and hold this airline accountable to its legal obligations and to the dignity of its passengers.

It is time to put an end to such abuses and demand fair, humane, and lawful treatment from airlines.

TAP Air Portugal must be held accountable.

I. DIOUF