Holidaymakers planning a trip to Italy in the coming month have been advised to prepare for potential disruptions on specific dates, as the country’s travel sector is bracing for significant turmoil at airports. This disruption could lead to flight cancellations or delays.
Reports from Italian media indicate that Monday, May 11, is expected to be a challenging day for air travel, with regional strikes coinciding with a national strike by EasyJet employees from 10am to 6pm. Various protests at the local level in different sectors threaten to halt air transport operations, involving employees of airport service and security companies in different Italian cities.
According to a bulletin from travel management company Cisalpina Tours International, Rome Airport is set to experience disruptions on May 11, with an eight-hour strike from 10am to 6pm affecting the air transport sector. Kate Donnelly, a British content creator, and travel business owner, highlighted the impact of the strikes on flights, particularly emphasizing strikes by air traffic control staff in Rome and Naples.
She mentioned the eight-hour strike duration starting at 10am and the separate EasyJet strike involving pilots and cabin crew within Italy. She stressed that these strikes could lead to flight delays and cancellations, urging travelers to stay informed about any last-minute changes to their flight schedules.
Furthermore, Kate pointed out another strike scheduled for Friday, May 29, which is anticipated to cause widespread disruptions across Italy affecting public services, including rail and road networks.
In the event of flight cancellations, passengers are entitled to either a replacement flight or a full refund under EU/UK regulations governing flights departing from EU airports like those in Italy. However, compensation claims may not apply if the delay is due to circumstances classified as “extraordinary,” such as industrial action by air traffic controllers, airport staff, and ground handlers.
In related travel news, Spanish tourism officials have cautioned UK holidaymakers about rising flight costs potentially dampening tourism industry growth ahead of the peak season. Spain, which welcomed 97 million tourists last year, is expected to face challenges with rising flight prices affecting demand. Authorities are working to mitigate fuel shortages as the summer season approaches.