Air traffic control staff strikes are set to cause chaos and delays for festive travel just days before Christmas, according to experts at Air Advisor. Passengers flying with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Wizz Air may all be impacted by the upcoming strikes. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has announced nationwide strikes by air traffic control staff for a 24-hour period starting from midnight on Sunday, December 15. Techno Sky, the company responsible for managing air navigation services in Italy, will strike, affecting 45 airports, 57 telecommunications centres, and 27 radar systems.
In addition to the nationwide strike, air traffic controllers at Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Bergamo Orio al Serio are planning a four-hour walkout between 1pm and 5pm local time on the same day, further complicating travel plans. The strikes are being supported by FILT-CGIL and UILT-UIL, two major transport unions in Italy, raising concerns about potential ripple effects across the flight network beyond Italy. This follows previous instances where such strikes have led to significant disruptions for passengers.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, highlighted the potential impact of these strikes on airport operations, emphasising the risk of delays and cancellations for travellers. With airlines like British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Wizz Air operating flights to Italy from the UK, passengers are advised to prepare for possible disruptions if travelling on December 15. Radchenko also reminded passengers of their rights under EU Regulation 261, which may entitle them to compensation for delays and cancellations caused by such strikes.
Previous air traffic control strikes have resulted in thousands of flights being cancelled and delayed across Europe, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. It is recommended that travellers stay informed about their flight status, possibly download their airline’s app, and seek compensation if their travel plans are affected. The upcoming strikes come following similar incidents earlier this year that impacted popular holiday destinations in Italy and caused knock-on effects for airline schedules, leading to delays and cancellations.
In summary, with the festive season approaching, travellers are urged to stay updated on the situation and be prepared for potential disruptions to their travel plans due to the air traffic control strikes. It is essential to understand passenger rights regarding compensation in case of flight delays or cancellations resulting from industrial action. Airlines and passengers alike should remain vigilant and proactive in managing any challenges that may arise during this busy holiday travel period.