Italy is set to be hit by strikes affecting air travel starting tomorrow, it has been revealed.
Some ground handling staff, as well airline crew and air traffic controllers, in Italy are partaking in strike action on December 17.
The airline strikes tomorrow could affect thousands of passengers as a result.
Italy is heading into the Christmas period with a series of strikes that will impact on almost every part of its transport system.
This includes a four-hour national air-traffic stoppage tomorrow, just as millions prepare for their Christmas trips.
It is estimated that dozens of flights could see delays or cancellations during the four-hour protest window, potentially affecting more than 6,000 passengers, according to SkyRefund.
From 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday, multiple groups will stop work, including air-traffic controllers at ENAV’s Rome control centre, airport ground handling crews, and staff from several airlines including ITA Airways, Vueling and EasyJet.
The action is expected to delay or cancel many flights across Italy’s airports.
If you are using Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples and Catania airports, you should brace for long security queues and delayed departures.
Even flights outside the time window may see delays into the evening as schedules recover.
Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of flight compensation specialists SkyRefund, says: ‘For passengers facing severe air-traffic and ground staff strikes in Italy this week, it is important to understand their distinct rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. The key distinction for compensation is who is striking.
‘Passengers affected will be entitled to care and assistance, including meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation for overnight delays if necessary, regardless of the strike’s cause, provided the delay is significant. However, the right to up to €600 (£525) in financial compensation depends entirely on the personnel involved.’
Ivaylo added: ‘Given the mix of striking groups, ATC, external ground handlers, and airline staff, passengers are advised to immediately secure their entitlement to a full refund or alternative re-routing at the earliest opportunity from their airline. This is non-negotiable under EU law, even if no additional cash compensation is payable.’
Selina Chadha, director of the consumer and markets group at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: ‘Flying abroad during the festive season is a tradition for millions across the UK. While the aviation industry is dedicated to ensuring smooth journeys, disruption can sometimes occur.
‘We strongly encourage passengers to familiarise themselves with their rights before heading to the airport, so they feel confident and well-prepared to address any unexpected challenges.’
It comes amid a wave of strike action being threatened across Europe. Strikes are set to hit passengers flying with Scandinavian Airlines from Heathrow airport over the festive period. More than 130 cabin crew working for Scandinavian Airlines Services, based out of Heathrow, are taking strike action.
Plus, dozens of flights and trains were recently cancelled across Portugal following the announcement of strikes across the popular holiday destination. France, meanwhile, was plagued by a summer of strike chaos across its airports.
The Daily Mail has contacted ENAV’s Rome control centre, Rome airports, ITA Airways and Vueling for comment. Strikes for the Italian staff of Air France-KLM have been called off.
Rome Airports said as of now, a total of 86 flights (departures and arrivals) have been cancelled at Rome Fiumicino Airport, 58 of which were supposed to be operated by ITA Airways.
These cancellations were planned over the past few days in coordination with the airlines involved, which have already informed affected passengers and rescheduled operations accordingly. Therefore, it is not expecting disruptions at the airport tomorrow.
It said: ‘Aeroporti di Roma is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the smoothest possible management of operations.’
A statement from easyJet said: ‘Our flying programme between Italy and the UK tomorrow is currently planned to operate as normal and we would like to reassure customers that we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action.’
Vueling said: ‘Due to the strike scheduled in Italy on December 17, a situation beyond Vueling’s control, airports across the country have anticipated a reduction in their operations. The airline has already implemented the necessary adjustments to its flight schedule to minimise the impact on its customers, and affected passengers have been offered alternative options to reduce any inconvenience as much as possible.’
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