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EasyJet Flight Attendants Plan Strike in Italy, Disrupting Travel
EasyJet cabin crew based in Italy, a popular holiday destination for British travelers, are preparing to strike next week, potentially causing travel disruption. This industrial action could impact holiday plans for those seeking spring sunshine in Italy.
Strike Details and Potential Impact
The work stoppage, scheduled for April 9th, will last for four hours, from 10:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The strike has been initiated by members of several Italian unions: the Italian Federation of Transport Workers (FILT), the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), and the Italian Union of Transport (UIL).
Despite its relatively short duration, the strike has the potential to be costly for EasyJet and may lead to significant disruptions for passengers extending beyond the four-hour window.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, a flight compensation firm, suggests that the strike could trigger a ‘ripple effect’ across the aviation sector. If aircraft are grounded, subsequent flight cancellations are possible. Even flight delays could cascade, impacting departure times and leading to extended delays for flights to and from the UK.
Expert Commentary on Strike Impact
Mr. Radchenko emphasized the significant operational impact of flight attendant strikes on airlines.
‘Flight attendant strikes can severely affect an airline’s daily operations,’ he stated. ‘They are essential for passenger comfort and safety, ensuring safety equipment functionality and demonstrating emergency procedures.’
Wider Industry Concerns
According to Mr. Radchenko, labor disputes concerning working conditions and compensation may make 2025 a challenging year for airlines across the industry.
Italy has recently experienced other instances of industrial action affecting air travel. Last month, tourists faced disruptions due to strikes by EasyJet pilots and staff at Assohandlers, representing baggage handlers and ground personnel at major airports. A national general strike on March 8th also caused widespread travel issues.
Finnish airline Finnair also suffered a staff walkout last month, resulting in the cancellation of 70 flights in a single day.
Passenger Compensation Rights
Mr. Radchenko clarified that passengers are entitled to compensation, ranging from £220 to £520, if their flights are cancelled or delayed by more than three hours due to airline strikes.
He advised travelers facing delays or cancellations on April 9th to utilize Air Advisor’s free compensation calculator to assess potential compensation eligibility before initiating a claim.
EasyJet Statement
EasyJet acknowledged the planned strike in a statement to MailOnline, stating: ‘EasyJet has been formally notified of a four-hour strike by air transport workers, including some of our Italian-based cabin crew unions, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This industrial action is anticipated to affect some flights to and from Milan and Naples airports.’
The airline added, ‘We want to assure our customers that we are making every effort to minimize any disruption resulting from the strike action. Should any flights be affected, we will contact customers directly to inform them of their options for rebooking or rearranging their travel plans.’