Major strike action to affect flights to Europe this weekend – with as many as 11,000 passengers facing chaos
BRITS heading to Italy this week have been warned to expect chaos ahead of a huge country-wide strike.
A nationwide general strike will affect air, rail and public transport services on March 8.
AlamyAs many as 70 flights from the UK to Italy could be disrupted, impacting around 11,000 passengers[/caption]
GettyA nationwide strike will affect air and rail services in Italy later this week[/caption]
This marks the third significant strike to impact Italian airspace in 2025, with previous walkouts taking place in January and February.
The strike action is being backed by three Italian unions and significant disruption is expected.
Up to 70 direct flights from the UK could be disrupted as a result, impacting as many as 11,000 passengers.
The UK airlines that could be affected include British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair.
Each airline has more than 15 direct flights to key destinations across Italy, such as Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples and Florence.
Sun Online Travel have contacted British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair for comment.
Key routes that could be impacted include services between London and Rome, London and Milan, Manchester and Rome, and Edinburgh and Milan.
Anton Radchenko, Aviation expert & founder of AirAdvisor said: “Four strikes in the first three months of 2025, is not a favourable sign for the Italian aviation industry.
“EU has one of the strongest laws protecting air passenger rights, but frequent disruptions make it a mess for passengers.”
According to the technical regulation authority ENAC, flights operating between 7am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm shouldn’t be affected by the strike action because they are protected time slots.
Italian baggage handlers will stage a 24-hour walkout on March 16.
Techno Sky, the company responsible for operating and maintaining air traffic control systems, will hold a separate four-hour strike.
Air traffic control systems will be impacted from 12pm to 4pm on March 16.
Strike action on March 16 could disrupt baggage handling, check-in services and flight schedules.
Radchenko urges passengers to be flexible with their travel plans, if possible.
He also warns travellers against boarding connecting flights in Italy because they’re also at risk of disruption.
Air travel in Italy should be back under control by March 20, with fewer flights facing disruption.
Italian rail services also face disruption in March, with a 12-hour strike taking place on March 7 as well as additional strike action on March 18 and 19.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Here are four reasons you won’t get any compensation when your flight is cancelled.
And this airline worker showed how to avoid cancellation problems.
AlamyThe UK airlines that could be affected include British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair.[/caption]
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