Holidaymakers planning a trip to Italy next month have been warned to prepare for potential disruptions at airports on specific dates. The Italian travel sector is expecting significant upheaval, which could lead to flight cancellations or delays.
Reports from Italian media indicate that Monday, May 11, is being labeled as a “black day” for air travel. Regional strikes are set to coincide with easyJet’s national strike, scheduled from 10 am to 6 pm. Various protests at the local level across different sectors threaten to halt air transport operations, with employees from airport service and security companies in Cagliari, Enav in Rome and Naples, Adr Security in Fiumicino, and handling firms in Palermo also participating in the strikes.
Additionally, travel management company Cisalpina Tours International has advised that on May 11, there will be an eight-hour strike at Rome Airport from 10 am to 6 pm. Delays and cancellations in the air transport sector are anticipated due to the strike by ENAV staff at the Rome air traffic control center.
British content creator and travel business owner, Kate Donnelly, shared updates on TikTok regarding the strikes. She highlighted that the strike on May 11, involving air traffic control staff in Rome and Naples, as well as the easyJet strike with pilots and cabin crew, could lead to flight disruptions. Donnelly emphasized the importance of staying informed about flight schedules and being prepared for potential last-minute changes.
Furthermore, she mentioned another strike planned for Friday, May 29, which is expected to cause widespread disruptions across Italy, affecting public services like rail and road networks. Trains are likely to be impacted starting from 9 pm on Thursday, May 28.
In case of flight cancellations, passengers are advised to know their rights. EU regulations cover flights departing from EU airports, ensuring passengers are entitled to either a replacement flight or a full refund. Passengers stranded abroad due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as industrial actions by air traffic controllers and ground handlers, may not be eligible for compensation. However, if the strike involves airline staff directly, passengers could potentially claim additional compensation.
As a final note, it is recommended to monitor flight schedules closely, enable alerts, and stay updated on any changes to travel plans during the strike period.
