Airline strike in Italy on 31 January 2026 – What does this mean for you?
A major strike has been confirmed in Italy on 31 January 2026. Between approximately 13:00 and 17:00 local time, easyJet staff and some airport and air traffic control staff will take part in industrial action that may affect many flights to and from Italy, including travel between Italy and the UK.
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Who is striking and why is it important?
EasyJet staff:
The British low-cost airline's staff (pilots and cabin crew) will take part in the strike. If your flight is cancelled or delayed due to internal circumstances at the airline, you may be entitled to compensation under EU/UK rules.
Airport and air traffic control staff:
Strikes by ground handling staff and air traffic control (ENAV) can cause delays and cancellations, but are often considered extraordinary circumstances, where the right to compensation is more complex.
What does this mean for travellers?
Many departures from and to Italian airports may be cancelled or delayed on 31 January 2026, especially in the afternoon.
Strikes at airports may also delay check-in, baggage handling and boarding, which could cause knock-on effects across the network even outside the strike period itself.
Are you entitled to compensation?
As an air passenger, you have a number of rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed. These rights are set out in EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which has been adopted by the UK:
Right to reimbursement or rebooking to a new departure.
Right to meals and assistance during long waiting times.
Right to financial compensation depending on the distance of the flight, if the delay or cancellation is not due to extraordinary circumstances.
EU rules apply to flights from an EU airport, as well as to flights to the EU with an EU-based airline.
How much can you get in compensation?
You are generally entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours on arrival. The table below shows the compensation amounts, depending on the flight distance.
Reason | Delayed arrival | Flights under 1.500 km | Flights 1.501 - 3.500 km | Flights over 3.500 km between EU-countries | Flights over 3.500 km to/from EU-countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cancelled* | 2 – 3 hours | 250 € | 200 € | 200 € | 300 € |
Cancelled /Delayed | 3 – 4 hours | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 300 € |
Cancelled/Delayed | More than 4 hours** | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
Overbooked | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
* If the cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the scheduled departure.
** If the cancellation occurs between 14-7 days before the scheduled departure.
How we can help
We know that delays and cancellations can be frustrating. With us, you get:
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