Italy’s air transport sector is currently reeling from a complex web of strikes and disruptions that have led to multiple flight cancellations. The situation has left thousands of passengers facing travel disruptions, with many flights cancelled at major airports in Milan and Rome.
Impact on Major Airports
Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate
The cancellations were most pronounced at Milan Malpensa, where at least 33 flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from the airport were cancelled. These included Ryanair flights to Paris Beauvais, Seville, Malaga, Barcelona and Manchester, as well as a Milan-Philadelphia flight operated by American Airlines.
- Flights to Paris Beauvais: Ryanair flights to Paris Beauvais were cancelled, including flights to Seville, Malaga, Barcelona and Manchester.
- Flights to Philadelphia: A Milan-Philadelphia flight operated by American Airlines was cancelled.
Rome Fiumicino
Italian media reports said that 34 flights had been cancelled at Milan Linate on Thursday morning, with flights operated by ITA Airways being particularly affected.
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Destination | Cancelled |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ226 | Milan Linate | London City | Yes |
| AZ227 | London City | Milan Linate | Yes |
Estimated Disruptions
Italy-based pilots and cabin crew at easyJet staged a 24-hour walkout on Thursday as part of an ongoing dispute over wages and working conditions. The walkout overlapped with a separate 24-hour strike by baggage handlers across Italy and smaller strikes by drivers and ground workers at airports including Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Cagliari Elmas and Naples Capodichino. The airport staff strikes were called by two of Italy’s largest trade unions, FLAI and CUB, to demand higher wages and better shift management. According to estimates from flight compensation advisor Italia Rimborso, over 210,000 airline passengers could see their travel plans disrupted by the end of Thursday.
Airline Response
The cancellations came as airlines including easyJet and ITA Airways issued statements advising passengers to check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport.
- EasyJet: EasyJet said it was “doing all we can to minimise any disruption caused by national industrial action […], including contacting customers in advance with alternative options to help rearrange their plans”.
- ITA Airways: ITA Airways said that passengers affected by cancellations or changes to scheduled departure times would be able to rebook their journey free of charge by Wednesday, July 16th.
Passenger Rights
Under Italian air transport laws, airlines are legally required to operate a number of ‘essential’ services during strikes. In the event of cancellations or delays of over five hours, passengers could also claim a full refund by the same deadline. “Passengers have the right to compensation for delays and cancellations, and airlines have a duty to provide them with information about their flight status,” said a spokesperson for the Italian Consumers’ Association.
Flight Compensation
Flight compensation advisor Italia Rimborso has estimated that over 210,000 airline passengers could see their travel plans disrupted by the end of Thursday.
| Estimated Disruptions | Number of Passengers |
|---|---|
| Over 210,000 passengers | Could see their travel plans disrupted |
In conclusion, the flight cancellations in Italy are a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes and the impact on passengers. The strikes and disruptions are not only affecting air transport but also the economy and tourism in the country. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for airlines and authorities to work together to provide clear information and support to passengers.
