There will be widespread air transport challenges in Italy this Friday (May 19, 2023) when many air transport sector employees are on strike.
Several airline employee groups and those working for ground-hounding companies are striking, resulting in delayed and canceled flights and lost checked luggage. Therefore, you should confirm with your airline if you plan to fly to/from/via Italy this Friday and preferably rebook.
ITA Airways Has Released The Following Statement:
Due to the strike announced by workers in the aviation sector, airport sector, and airport-related industries some flights operated by ITA Airways on Friday, 19 May 2023, may experience schedule changes.
To minimize inconvenience for passengers, ITA Airways has put in place an extraordinary plan and rebooked the highest possible number of travelers impacted by the cancellations: 68% will be able to fly on 19 May.
ITA Airways invites all customers already holding tickets for travel on 19 May to check the status of their flights before going to the airport on the ita-airways.com website, or by calling the airline at the toll-free number 800 93 60 90 (within Italy), at +39 +39 06 8596 0020 (from abroad), or contacting the travel agency where the ticket was bought.
Travellers holding tickets and eventually affected by a cancellation or schedule change of ITA Airways flights on 19 May can rebook their flight at no additional cost or penalty, or ask for a full ticket refund (only if the flight is cancelled or the delay on departure exceeds 5 hours) by 24 May 2023.
Italian Civil Aviation Authority Statement (Translation):
Air Passenger Rights EC 261/2004:
Remember that airlines are bound by the EC 261/2004 regulation even in case of strikes, but cash compensation due to delays and cancellations doesn’t usually apply.
The airlines must rebook affected passengers to their final destination at the earliest opportunity, even when this means moving them to other airlines. However, if the flight is canceled or there is a long delay, the passenger can opt for a refund.
Airlines must also provide Duty to Care in case of long delays, which means providing accommodation and meals.
ITA Airways Canceled Flights:
Conclusion
This appears to be a relatively widespread air transport sector strike that will affect most airlines that fly to/from Italy on that day.
I would look for other options if your plans include travel on that date on any of the flights that are not protected to operate, as there might be, and likely is, last-minute cancellations.
