Aviation strikes in Italy disrupt flights across Italy today

Passengers travelling to, from or within Italy may face delays and cancellations today, Tuesday 21 July, due to several strikes across the Italian aviation sector.

Who is striking in Italy?

easyJet cabin crew are holding a 24-hour nationwide strike. Ground handling and airport employees are also taking industrial action at Milan Malpensa and Lamezia Terme airports.

Shorter walkouts are taking place in Naples, Salerno, Olbia and Alghero. Protected flight periods apply between 07:00 and 10:00 and between 18:00 and 21:00, when scheduled flights are generally protected from disruption.

Are passengers entitled to compensation?

Whether passengers are entitled to compensation depends on who is striking and what caused the delay or cancellation.

A strike by an airline’s own employees, such as easyJet cabin crew, may entitle passengers to compensation.

Strikes by airport staff, security employees or external ground handling companies are generally considered extraordinary circumstances. In those situations, the airline may not have to pay compensation.

Depending on the flight distance, compensation may amount to:

• €250 for flights of up to 1,500 kilometres
• €400 for flights within the EU of more than 1,500 kilometres and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres
• €600 for flights of more than 3,500 kilometres

The exact outcome depends on the circumstances of each flight. Passengers affected by the strikes can submit a claim to EUclaim. We will investigate the disruption and determine whether compensation is possible.