Thousands of UK holidaymakers heading to Italy next week could face travel disruption as EasyJet cabin crew and airport ground staff prepare to take strike action. Around 9,000 passengers travelling on 51 scheduled EasyJet flights from the UK to Italy on Monday, July 21, could be affected, according to analysis by air passenger rights company AirAdvisor.
Details of the Strike Action
The planned industrial action involves EasyJet crew based in Italy as well as ground-handling staff at Milan Airport, raising the prospect of delays and cancellations during one of the busiest periods of the summer holiday season. Popular destinations including Milan, Rome, Naples, Venice, Pisa, Olbia, Catania and Palermo could all be impacted. Even if only a small number of flights are disrupted initially, delays could spread throughout the day as aircraft and crews operate multiple services.
Passenger Rights and Compensation
Passengers are also being urged to understand their rights, as compensation rules vary depending on the cause of any disruption. If a flight is cancelled or arrives more than three hours late because of strike action by EasyJet's own crew, passengers may be entitled to compensation, provided they were given less than 14 days' notice and the airline cannot prove the disruption was outside its control. For flights between the UK and Italy, compensation is typically £220 per passenger for shorter routes, rising to £350 on longer routes of more than 1,500km, depending on the journey.
However, if disruption is caused by strike action involving ground-handling staff at Milan Airport, airlines may argue the delays were caused by "extraordinary circumstances", making compensation claims more difficult. Passengers would still be entitled to either a refund or an alternative flight if their service is cancelled, as well as assistance such as food, refreshments and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Expert Advice
Anton Radchenko, an aviation expert, lawyer and CEO of AirAdvisor, said passengers should make sure they know the reason for any delay or cancellation. He said: "The key thing passengers need to understand is that not all strikes are treated the same. If the disruption is caused by the airline's own crew, that is much harder for the airline to dismiss as something outside its control. If the disruption is caused by airport ground handlers, the compensation position becomes more complicated, but the passenger is still not powerless."
He also advised travellers flying on July 21 to regularly check their flight status in the run-up to departure, ensure their airline has up-to-date contact details and keep receipts for any reasonable expenses incurred if they are delayed.
AirAdvisor's Advice for EasyJet Passengers
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport, but keep checking because disruption can change quickly on strike days.
- Make sure EasyJet has your correct phone number and email address so you receive cancellation or rerouting notices.
- If your flight is cancelled, ask whether the cause is EasyJet crew action, Milan ground-handling disruption, or another operational reason.
- Do not accept a refund immediately if you still need to travel. Ask what rerouting options are available first.
- Keep screenshots of flight status updates, app messages, emails and airport departure boards.
- Keep receipts for meals, refreshments, taxis, hotels and replacement travel.
- If you are delayed overnight, ask the airline to arrange accommodation before booking your own hotel.
- If travelling through Milan, consider taking hand luggage only where possible, because ground-handling disruption can affect baggage loading, unloading and collection even where flights still operate.
- Passengers should also be careful with separate bookings. If a delayed EasyJet flight causes them to miss a separately booked train, hotel, tour or onward flight, those extra losses may not automatically be covered by the airline and may need to be claimed through travel insurance instead.
