There is a full list of dates announced so far as multiple strikes will see delays and cancellations for UK passengers
Flights will be delayed this month
Popular Italian destinations such as Pisa, Catania, and Milan will be shut down entirely or in part for several days in September due to several overlapping industrial action. The strikes will hit regional airports across the UK, including Brimingham, Bristol, East Midlands Airport, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester.
Both ground services staff, and flight crew will be involved in the strikes, due to take place on the 6, 14, and 26 of September, with the possibility of more strikes to be announced. The strikes come at the end of the franchigia estiva, a period during the peak summer season when strikes are suspended, in order to protect the Italian tourism industry.
The affected airports are mostly regional hubs serviced by popular budget airlines, such as easyJet, Ryanair, and TUI. Italy was the third most popular tourism destination for brits in 2024, with more than 6 million Brits visiting the country that year.
September 6 will see airline staff from easyJet, and ground handline staff from Swissport both taking part in 24-hour walkouts affecting flights to and from Catania. There will also be a downing of tools at Florence and Pisa’s airports by baggage handlers with the union CUB Trasporti.
September 14 will see 24-hour strikes by airport handling staff at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports. September 26 will see multiple national 24-hour strikes, including baggage handlers associated with Assaeroporti, the union CUB Trasporti, and Volotea staff.
Passengers travelling on these dates should check for potential disruption or cancellation of their flights. Ivalyo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: “Passengers with EasyJet and Volotea should check if they are eligible for compensation, as strikes by airline staff are considered to be reasons for delay within the airlines control, therefore making passengers with them potentially eligible for compensation.
“Passengers affected by the strikes of airport staff, such as baggage handlers, or security staff however are unlikely to be eligible for delay compensation, as these are considered extraordinary circumstances. Nonetheless, passengers remain entitled to essential assistance, including meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if necessary, during prolonged delays. We strongly advise all travellers to keep themselves informed about potential disruptions on the affected days.”