Passengers flying out of major Italian airports and some European cities, face cancellations and delays.
ADVERTISEMENTStrike action at some of Italy’s major airports has caused hundreds of domestic and international flights to be cancelled.
Whether flying in to or out of Italy, passengers could face a flight cancellation or delay on Thursday.
Some disruption is also expected on Friday morning as airlines return to normal.
Flights leaving Rome, Milan, Brindisi, Calgary and Venice airports are among those affected.
We remind that flight list, refund and reprotection are available on https://t.co/gQ7uP92lxC or calling +390665649. pic.twitter.com/SqvfiWW8md
— Alitalia (@Alitalia) February 22, 2017
Italian airline Alitalia said 60 per cent of its flights – more than 200 – have been cancelled on Thursday due to the industrial action by trade unions.
A full list of its cancelled flights can be found here.
The airline has sent around 9,000 emails and text messages to passengers warning them of the disruption.
Passengers who think they might be affected can call a special hotline set up by the Alitalia:
- For those outside Italy call: +390665649
- For those inside Italy call: 800650055
Affected passengers can chose whether to change their tickets or to claim a refund.
However, they must change their tickets by 10 March.
Other airlines, including British Airways and EasyJet said they have been forced to cancel a small number of flights.
Passengers are advised to contact their airline before flying.
British_Airways</a> booked on flight BA0559 from Rome has it been cancelled and what are our rebooking options? Can't seem to rebook online.</p>— Ben lanham (Benl2511) February 22, 2017
In a statement on its website, Alitalia said: “The airline has immediately taken special measures to minimise inconvenience to its customers, by re-booking as many of the passengers affected by cancellations as possible on the first available flights.
“Alternatively passengers can be refunded at no extra charge.”
Flights due to leave during the peak hours of 7am to 10am and from 6pm to 9pm are expected to operate as scheduled.
Bigger aircraft will operate on several domestic and international routes in order to carry as many passengers as possible during these times.
What are my rights?
According to EU regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours.
ADVERTISEMENTThe legislation applies to passengers departing from a EU airport or arriving at an EU airport from outside of the EU, but with an EU carrier.
Compensation is linked to the length of flight, varying from 250 Euros to 600 Euros.