EasyJet crews in Italy to strike on 31 January, afternoon flights at risk

EasyJet’s Italian pilots and cabin crew will hold a nationwide strike on Saturday, 31 January, from 13:00 to 17:00. The action, called by ANPAC and USB Lavoro Aereo, falls outside Italy’s protected flight windows, enabling legal cancellations and potential delays. Disruption is expected at Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Naples and Venice, with possible knock-on effects to UK-bound rotations. EasyJet plans a skeleton schedule using contingency crews and is offering free rebooking or refunds. Passengers monitoring the app and retaining boarding passes may benefit from EC261 compensation, depending on circumstances.

Italian pilots and cabin crew at EasyJet are set to stage a nationwide strike on Saturday, 31 January, between 13:00 and 17:00. The walkout was announced after a customer warning on 30 January and is organized by unions ANPAC and USB Lavoro Aereo. The action falls outside Italy’s protected flight windows, which means a substantial number of flights can be legally canceled during the four-hour period. The action may lead to both delays and cancellations, with more than 20,000 passengers are at risk of disruption.

Disruption is expected to focus on Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Naples and Venice. Passengers should also anticipate knock-on delays to subsequent rotations, including services bound for the UK. The dispute centers on post‑pandemic wage alignment, roster stability, and the introduction of new A321neo aircraft.

EasyJet says it will operate a skeleton schedule using contingency crews and advises travelers to monitor updates via the mobile app. Free rebooking or refunds are being offered to affected customers. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers could be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if delays exceed three hours and the event is considered within the airline’s control.

The timing may affect corporate travel due to month‑end business needs and elevated demand in the run‑up to fashion events in Milan. Companies are encouraged to alert employees traveling in the 13:00–17:00 window, particularly those connecting to non‑Schengen destinations where rerouting options may be limited. If travel plans change—such as rerouting via another country or extending a stay—support services for expedited documentation are available.

Given the fluid labor landscape, additional local actions can occur with limited notice. Travelers are advised to keep boarding passes and other travel documents as proof for any future compensation claims.