Irish holidaymakers heading to popular European destinations have been advised to check their flight status closely, with major airport chaos expected in Greece and Italy due to widespread aviation strikes. Greece and Italy are facing severe disruptions to air travel, with hundreds of flight cancellations reported. Airports in both countries are being hit hard, and further delays and cancellations are expected in the days ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

• Airports in Greece and Italy are experiencing flight cancellations due to strikes by cabin crew and air traffic controllers.
• Italian airline easyJet reported a 24-hour strike affecting flights to and from major hubs like Milan and Naples.
• Greek air traffic controllers are participating in a 24-hour nationwide public sector strike, causing widespread flight cancellations throughout the country.

The easyJet strike in Italy has impacted flights to and from major hubs like Milan and Naples. A spokesperson for the airline said: “We would like to reassure customers that we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action and should any flights be impacted we will be contacting customers directly with their options to help rearrange their plans.”
Meanwhile, in Greece, Aegean Airlines, the national carrier, has cancelled 82 flights, while around 80 services from easyJet and Ryanair have also been scrapped. Air traffic controllers are also participating in a 24-hour nationwide public sector strike, causing widespread flight cancellations throughout the country. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with estimated flight cancellations in the UK alone reaching up to 80. This could lead to the cancellation of flights to the Middle East, Asia or Australia, which are popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers. While passengers are not entitled to compensation under EU regulations, they are still entitled to assistance, including:
* Meals and refreshments during delays
* Hotel accommodation (if overnight stay is required)
* Transport between the airport and accommodation
* A full refund or alternative flight, if the original journey can’t be completed
Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation experts SkyRefund, said: “The situation for anyone travelling to Greece on holiday looks bleak today with airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol all reporting cancellations to the country. Well over 200 services to and from the country have been grounded, it’s a mass cancellation event. In instances like today, holidaymakers are unfortunately not able to claim composition as national strikes are viewed as being out of the airline’s hands, and they couldn’t have prevented the cancellations.”
In light of this uncertainty, Irish holidaymakers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline and avoid heading to the airport without confirmation of their updated travel plans.