Major Travel Disruptions Expected Across Italy on June 13
Passengers scheduled to fly to or from Italy on Saturday, June 13, 2026, are being warned of significant industrial action. A major 18-hour strike by easyJet pilots and cabin crew, combined with multiple airport-specific walkouts, is set to cause widespread cancellations and delays. If your journey is affected, you may have legal grounds to claim financial compensation under European passenger rights regulations.
Key Takeaways for Affected Travelers
- EasyJet Crew Strike: Italian-based staff will walk out from 6:00 am until midnight on June 13.
- Specific Airport Impact: Major disruptions are expected at Verona Villafranca, Cagliari Elmas, and Milan Linate due to local staff strikes.
- Compensation Potential: Flights canceled or delayed by over 3 hours due to easyJet's own crew strike may qualify for up to €600 per person.
- Upcoming Action: A broader 24-hour national strike involving ground-handling staff at all Italian airports is already scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Understanding Your Rights Under EC 261
When an airline's own staff, such as pilots or cabin crew, go on strike, it is generally not considered an 'extraordinary circumstance.' Under the EC 261/2004 regulation, the airline is held responsible for these internal labor disputes. This means that if your easyJet flight is disrupted by their crew's walkout, you are likely entitled to fixed financial compensation.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation is determined by the distance of your flight:
- Short-haul (under 1,500 km): €250 per passenger.
- Medium-haul (1,500 km to 3,500 km): €400 per passenger.
- Long-haul (over 3,500 km): €600 per passenger.
To qualify, your flight must have been canceled with less than 14 days' notice or arrive at its final destination more than three hours late. It must also have departed from an EU airport or been operated by an EU carrier flying into the EU.
The Exception: Third-Party Airport Strikes
It is important to distinguish between the easyJet crew strike and the other walkouts occurring on the same day. The strikes involving air traffic control in Verona or ground-handling staff in Cagliari and Milan are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' because they are outside the airline's direct control. In these specific cases, while you are still entitled to a refund or an alternative flight (and 'duty of care' like meals and hotels), you are typically not eligible for additional cash compensation.
Italian 'Protected Windows' and Travel Advice
Despite the strikes, not every flight will be grounded. Italian law mandates 'guaranteed windows' where flights must operate: between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Italian civil aviation authority (ENAC) also maintains a list of specific flights that are legally required to fly regardless of industrial action.
Practical Steps for Your Journey
- Verify your status: Check your flight status directly with the airline on the evening before and the morning of your trip.
- Minimize luggage: If possible, use carry-on bags only to avoid delays associated with ground-handling and baggage staff shortages.
- Arrive early: Expect much longer queues for security and check-in, even for flights within the 'protected windows.'
- Document everything: Keep copies of your boarding passes and any receipts for food, drink, or accommodation expenses incurred due to the delay.
Duty of Care: What the Airline Owes You
Regardless of the reason for the delay, if you are stuck at the airport for more than two hours, the airline has a legal 'duty of care.' They must provide you with refreshments, meals, and access to communications. If your flight is delayed until the following day, the airline is required to provide hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport at no cost to you.
