- Flight Disruptions
- easyJet crews in Italy plan four-hour strike on 31 January
easyJet crews in Italy plan four-hour strike on 31 January
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Eligible for compensation
By Josh Arnfield
Last updated on January 29, 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
What Happened
easyJet pilots and cabin crew in Italy have announced a nationwide strike on Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00. Naples Airport operator GESAC has warned of potential delays and cancellations and urged passengers to verify flight status. The action, called by unions ANPAC and USB Lavoro Aereo, sits outside Italy’s guaranteed flight windows, so a notable share of services could be grounded. Disruptions may ripple across easyJet operations at Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice, and Rome Fiumicino during the mid‑afternoon peak.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations.
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Flight Disruption Details
Unions representing easyJet pilots and cabin crew in Italy have called a nationwide strike for Saturday, 31 January 2026, scheduled from 13:00 to 17:00. A notice issued by Naples Airport operator GESAC late on 27 January advises travelers of possible delays and cancellations and recommends checking flight status before departure.
The action is organized by the pilots’ union ANPAC and the cabin‑crew union USB Lavoro Aereo. The dispute centers on issues including roster patterns, pay restoration following the pandemic, and the integration of new Airbus A321neo aircraft. Because the strike falls outside the country’s guaranteed flight windows, a significant portion of domestic and intra‑Schengen services could be grounded during the four‑hour period.
easyJet operates more than 130 daily departures at this time of year across major Italian airports including Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice, and Rome Fiumicino. Mid‑afternoon disruptions may particularly affect travelers connecting for Monday commitments. Ground‑handling sources also caution that knock‑on delays could impact other carriers that share staff or gate resources with easyJet, especially at Milan Malpensa’s Terminal 2.
Passengers are advised to reconfirm itineraries and consider alternative plans where necessary. Rail services may absorb some displaced demand, though Milan–Rome Frecciarossa services were already reported as heavily booked for the relevant time band. Under EU passenger protection rules referenced in the report, customers whose flights are canceled are entitled to rerouting or refunds. Whether compensation applies can vary depending on circumstances; outcomes may depend on how the disruption is classified and assessed.
Key details
- Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
- Time: 13:00–17:00 local time
- Impact: Potential delays and cancellations across easyJet’s Italian network
- Airports noted: Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice, Rome Fiumicino
Travelers should monitor airline notifications and airport advisories, allow extra time at the airport, and consider rebooking options if their flight falls within the strike window.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
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
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to US$650 compensation
Airlines affected
easyJet
Airports affected
Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice, Rome Fiumicino
Start date
2026-01-31
End date
2026-01-31
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
January 29, 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:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
