EasyJet passengers flying to or from Italy on Sunday, July 5, should brace for potential delays and cancellations as pilots and cabin crew stage a 24-hour national strike. The walkout, called by multiple Italian unions including FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL, UILT-UIL, UGL Trasporto Aereo and ANPAC, will run from 00:00 to 23:59 local time.
What Passengers Need to Know
Travel expert Kate Donnelly (@thedonnellyedit) warns that the strike is airline-specific, meaning any EasyJet flight to, from, or within Italy could be affected. "If you are on an EasyJet flight, it could be impacted on this date. With this particular strike action, there is obviously the risk of delays, but also a higher risk of flight cancellations," she said.
According to the Strike Tracker website, the strike involves EasyJet pilots and flight attendants across Italy. Flights to and from Italian airports may be cancelled or delayed. Travellers are urged to check their flight status with the airline directly.
How to Stay Updated
Donnelly advises passengers to monitor the EasyJet app and their email inbox closely. "Airlines will obviously do what they can to try and minimise disruption, so make sure you keep an eye on your app notifications and your emails because, if they do make changes ahead of the date, you will be notified directly by them first," she added.
EasyJet has not yet issued a public statement, but passengers should expect last-minute changes.
Compensation Rights Explained
If EasyJet cancels or reschedules your flight due to the strike by its own Italian staff, you are legally entitled to compensation under EU regulations. Internal staff strikes are not considered "extraordinary circumstances," meaning the airline must pay compensation in addition to providing a refund or rebooking.
However, if the disruption is caused by external factors such as air traffic control strikes or airport ground handler walkouts, the airline may classify it as an "extraordinary circumstance." In that case, you are still entitled to a refund or alternative flight, but not additional compensation.
Regardless of the cause, EasyJet is legally required to provide care for affected passengers. If you are delayed, you should receive:
- Free food and drink vouchers
- Free hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is needed
- Free transport between the hotel and the airport
Passengers should keep all receipts and contact the airline for reimbursement if vouchers are not provided.
Background and Impact
The strike on July 5 adds to growing travel disruption in Europe during the peak summer season. Italy is a major holiday destination, and the walkout could affect thousands of passengers. EasyJet operates numerous routes to Italian cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Pisa.
Donnelly highlighted that the strike is likely to cause a "higher risk of flight cancellations" beyond just delays. She urged passengers to have contingency plans and consider travel insurance that covers strike-related disruption.
For the latest updates, passengers should check the EasyJet website or app, and follow the airline's social media channels.
