Budget airline easyJet has urgently warned travellers going to Italy today, Friday 21 April, that national industrial action in the country due to a dispute over pay could result in disruption to easyJet’s flying schedule to and from Italy.
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It’s been recommended that passengers who are planning to fly to Italy today 'allow additional time to travel to and from the airport' and keep up to date with the latest flight tracker information. easyJet said it will contact affected passengers if flights have to be cancelled.
easyJet passengers 'will not be entitled to claim for compensation'
In a statement on its website, easyJet wrote:
We have been informed of national strike action in Italy on Friday 21st April which will affect areas in the airport including ground handling services. Like all airlines operating to and from Italy, we may see some disruption to our flying programme on this date.
In accordance with EU261 regulations, customers will not be entitled to claim for compensation as a result of the industrial action.
The airline added:
Although this is outside of our control, we would like to reassure customers that we are doing all we can to minimise any disruption that may occur as a result of the strike action.
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Nation-wide general strike in Italy
As reported by Crisis 24, two transport unions called for an Italy-wide public and private sector strike from the evening of Thursday 20 April 20 to the evening of Friday 21 April due to a dispute over pay. The strike will affect subways, buses, trams, healthcare services, schooling, and airports. Crisis 24 said:
Local public transport and airports will be impacted on April 21. Highway workers will strike for 24 hours from 10pm April 20. Rail services are not included in the action. Minimum services will be guaranteed at impacted healthcare facilities and airports.
It advises:
Reconfirm all transport services before departure. Prepare for possible delays and increased demand for available transport. Monitor local media for updates from transportation providers and officials.
Sources used:
MyLondon: 'EasyJet issues urgent travel update for anyone going to Italy'
Crisis24: 'Italy: Unions call for a nationwide general strike from 22:00 April 20'