- Flight Disruptions
- EasyJet crews in Italy to strike on 31 January, afternoon flights at risk
EasyJet crews in Italy to strike on 31 January, afternoon flights at risk
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Eligible for compensation
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 3 February 2026
20,000
Impacted travelers
4
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
What Happened
EasyJet’s Italian pilots and cabin crew will hold a nationwide strike on Saturday, 31 January, from 13:00 to 17:00. The action, called by ANPAC and USB Lavoro Aereo, falls outside Italy’s protected flight windows, enabling legal cancellations and potential delays. Disruption is expected at Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Naples and Venice, with possible knock-on effects to UK-bound rotations. EasyJet plans a skeleton schedule using contingency crews and is offering free rebooking or refunds. Passengers monitoring the app and retaining boarding passes may benefit from EC261 compensation, depending on circumstances.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations.
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Flight Disruption Details
Italian pilots and cabin crew at EasyJet are set to stage a nationwide strike on Saturday, 31 January, between 13:00 and 17:00. The walkout was announced after a customer warning on 30 January and is organized by unions ANPAC and USB Lavoro Aereo. The action falls outside Italy’s protected flight windows, which means a substantial number of flights can be legally canceled during the four-hour period. The action may lead to both delays and cancellations, with more than 20,000 passengers are at risk of disruption.
Disruption is expected to focus on Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Naples and Venice. Passengers should also anticipate knock-on delays to subsequent rotations, including services bound for the UK. The dispute centers on post‑pandemic wage alignment, roster stability, and the introduction of new A321neo aircraft.
EasyJet says it will operate a skeleton schedule using contingency crews and advises travelers to monitor updates via the mobile app. Free rebooking or refunds are being offered to affected customers. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers could be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if delays exceed three hours and the event is considered within the airline’s control.
The timing may affect corporate travel due to month‑end business needs and elevated demand in the run‑up to fashion events in Milan. Companies are encouraged to alert employees traveling in the 13:00–17:00 window, particularly those connecting to non‑Schengen destinations where rerouting options may be limited. If travel plans change—such as rerouting via another country or extending a stay—support services for expedited documentation are available.
Given the fluid labor landscape, additional local actions can occur with limited notice. Travelers are advised to keep boarding passes and other travel documents as proof for any future compensation claims.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to €600 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Airline strike
Status
Past Disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to €600 compensation
Passengers affected
20000
Airlines affected
EasyJet
Airports affected
Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Naples, Venice
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
3 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
