Disruptions to flights at numerous European airports over the weekend may affect travel arrangements for a significant number of vacationers
European Airline Disruptions: Widespread Strikes Affecting Major Carriers
This weekend, several major European airports will experience widespread strikes, causing potential delays and cancellations for travellers. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to fly with EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air, Tui, Volotea, or ITA Airways.
Italy
Italy will witness a nationwide four-hour strike on July 26, from 1 pm to 5 pm. This strike will impact key airports such as Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples, and Venice. The strike involves baggage handlers, ground staff, and airport workers, potentially disrupting flights for the aforementioned airlines. Notably, Swissport gate services and check-in staff at Milan Linate will also participate in the strike.
Spain
Volotea's crew and pilots will stage a strike on July 26, which could cause widespread disruption across its European routes.
Portugal
Airport worker strikes are scheduled to start from July 25 through weekend strikes in August at all major airports, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, and Porto Santo. These strikes involve ground handling workers (SPdH/Menzies), which could affect all flights operating there, including domestic island routes served by SATA Air Açores.
Preparing for Your Journey
To minimise disruptions, travellers are advised to:
- Check the Italian Ministry of Transport's website for official strike information.
- Avoid peak hours while heading to the airport and arrive with plenty of time to spare.
- Confirm the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.
- Contact specific airlines and airports for the latest updates.
Remember, flights scheduled between 7am and 10am and between 6pm and 9pm are usually not impacted by these regulations. Flights to certain islands, such as Sardinia, Sicily, and Lampedusa, are often excluded from strikes.
Compensation
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, Volotea passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled due to the planned strike may be eligible for compensation of £250-£520 (€286.9-€453.2) based on the distance of their flight.
Background
The strikes are in response to demands for improved safety, better working conditions, work-life balance, and national contract renewals. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) publishes a list of guaranteed flights, which travellers can check for alternative arrangements.
In July 2021, Italian strikes caused 73 flights to be cancelled in one day. The strikes in Portugal will take place from the last weekend of July to the last four weekends of August, while the strikes in Italy will occur from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday at every major airport.
Stay informed and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth journey during these challenging times.
In light of the nationwide strike in Italy and the crew strike planned by Volotea in Spain, travelers might want to reconsider their lifestyle and consider changes in their travel plans, particularly on July 26. Preparation is key to minimizing disruptions, such as checking official strike information, avoiding peak hours, and confirming flight status before departure.
