Italian business travellers face a difficult Saturday as easyJet’s pilots’ union ANPAC and cabin-crew union USB Lavoro Aereo hold a nationwide walk-out from 13:00-17:00 CET on 31 January 2026. The action falls outside the two “guaranteed flight bands” protected by law (07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00), meaning hundreds of domestic and intra-Schengen services can be delayed or cancelled. At Milan-Malpensa alone the UK low-cost carrier normally operates more than 70 departures in the affected time-slot; Rome-Fiumicino, Naples, Venice, Bari and Catania are also listed in the strike notice. (airhelp.com)
Why are crews striking? Union leaders say easyJet’s offer for a new collective labour agreement does not recoup inflation, lags the pay scales granted to colleagues in France and Spain, and fails to address rest-time and roster concerns that have worsened since the arrival of the larger Airbus A321neo fleet. Negotiations have dragged on since the previous contract expired in September 2025; unions warn further actions are likely if no “European-level parity” is achieved.
Operational impact. easyJet has activated a contingency roster and says most flights will operate, but Naples airport operator GESAC has warned passengers to “expect delays and some cancellations”. Knock-on effects may ripple into Monday morning for aircraft and crews positioned overnight. Travellers with Monday meetings should consider rail alternatives, although Trenitalia’s Milan–Rome Frecciarossa services are already heavily booked in the mid-afternoon slot.
![Nationwide four-hour strike by easyJet crews disrupts Italian flight schedule]()
For passengers suddenly rerouting through other countries or booking last-minute connections beyond the Schengen area, VisaHQ can quickly confirm whether you’ll need additional transit or entry documentation and submit applications online—its Italy portal is a handy starting point: https://www.visahq.com/italy/ Having paperwork sorted in minutes rather than days adds valuable flexibility when strikes throw plans into disarray.
Passenger rights. Under EU 261/2004, strikes by an airline’s own staff are usually **not** classified as “extraordinary circumstances”; therefore compensation of €250-€600 may be due for delays of three hours or more. easyJet must also offer rerouting or refunds. Business travel managers should proactively rebook critical staff or secure flexible tickets.
Practical tips. 1) Reconfirm flight status on the airline app and airport websites. 2) Build at least a two-hour buffer for connections. 3) Collect written proof of delay or cancellation for insurance claims. 4) Consider rail or alternative carriers for time-sensitive meetings.
The strike highlights the labour-relations pressures low-cost carriers face as traffic returns to – and in Italy already exceeds – the 2019 baseline while crews seek post-pandemic wage restoration.
Why are crews striking? Union leaders say easyJet’s offer for a new collective labour agreement does not recoup inflation, lags the pay scales granted to colleagues in France and Spain, and fails to address rest-time and roster concerns that have worsened since the arrival of the larger Airbus A321neo fleet. Negotiations have dragged on since the previous contract expired in September 2025; unions warn further actions are likely if no “European-level parity” is achieved.
Operational impact. easyJet has activated a contingency roster and says most flights will operate, but Naples airport operator GESAC has warned passengers to “expect delays and some cancellations”. Knock-on effects may ripple into Monday morning for aircraft and crews positioned overnight. Travellers with Monday meetings should consider rail alternatives, although Trenitalia’s Milan–Rome Frecciarossa services are already heavily booked in the mid-afternoon slot.
For passengers suddenly rerouting through other countries or booking last-minute connections beyond the Schengen area, VisaHQ can quickly confirm whether you’ll need additional transit or entry documentation and submit applications online—its Italy portal is a handy starting point: https://www.visahq.com/italy/ Having paperwork sorted in minutes rather than days adds valuable flexibility when strikes throw plans into disarray.
Passenger rights. Under EU 261/2004, strikes by an airline’s own staff are usually **not** classified as “extraordinary circumstances”; therefore compensation of €250-€600 may be due for delays of three hours or more. easyJet must also offer rerouting or refunds. Business travel managers should proactively rebook critical staff or secure flexible tickets.
Practical tips. 1) Reconfirm flight status on the airline app and airport websites. 2) Build at least a two-hour buffer for connections. 3) Collect written proof of delay or cancellation for insurance claims. 4) Consider rail or alternative carriers for time-sensitive meetings.
The strike highlights the labour-relations pressures low-cost carriers face as traffic returns to – and in Italy already exceeds – the 2019 baseline while crews seek post-pandemic wage restoration.
