European Airports Face Chaos as Major Strikes Disrupt Travel

Travel chaos looms for thousands of holidaymakers as airport workers in Italy, Spain, and Portugal prepare for significant strikes this weekend. These industrial actions come at a crucial time during the peak summer travel season, potentially leading to extensive delays and cancellations across several key airports in southern Europe.

On July 26, 2024, Italian airport workers will stage a four-hour strike from 13:00 to 17:00 local time. This nationwide action is aimed at demanding better safety measures, enhanced working conditions, and updated national contracts. Major travel hubs in cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples are expected to be heavily affected. At Milan Linate Airport, ground services and check-in staff from Swissport are also set to participate in the strike, exacerbating the situation.

Earlier strikes in Italy have already illustrated the potential impact, with more than 70 flights cancelled in a single day. This weekend’s disruptions could mirror those figures, affecting numerous airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, and ITA Airways.

In Spain, crews and pilots from budget airline Volotea plan to strike on the same day, which may disrupt flights to over 100 destinations across Europe. The ripple effects of this action are likely to be felt far beyond Spain, complicating travel plans for many.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, workers at SPdH/Menzies Aviation, previously known as Groundforce, will initiate a strike starting at midnight on July 26 and extending through July 29. This strike will also have lasting effects, as similar disruptions are anticipated over several weekends in August, particularly impacting Lisbon Airport.

Darina Kovacheva, head of legal at airline compensation specialist SkyRefund, commented on the situation, noting, “As we saw earlier this month, the ongoing discontent among aviation workers in Italy is causing mayhem for holidaymakers visiting the country.” She urged passengers traveling to Italy this weekend to closely monitor their flight statuses before heading to the airport, as last-minute cancellations are a real possibility.

Passengers affected by delays or cancellations due to the strikes may have the right to compensation ranging from £250 to £520, depending on the length of their flight. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, disruptions caused by an airline’s own employees, such as the planned Volotea strike, fall under the airline’s responsibility, making passengers eligible for compensation.

Volotea may argue that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the disruption in order to evade compensation claims. Affected travelers are encouraged to file claims with compensation specialists who can assist in navigating these claims effectively.

As this weekend approaches, holidaymakers are advised to remain vigilant about their travel plans, as the strikes in Italy, Spain, and Portugal are poised to create substantial disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.