Ryanair has warned passengers that several flights to popular destinations in Italy scheduled for today (Tuesday, September 24) have been cancelled.
The budget airline made the announcement yesterday. The drastic measure has been employed because of strikes at various Italian airports.
Rome, Venice and Bologna, Milan are among the cities where industrial action is taking place. Ground security personnel and baggage handlers at the tourism hotspot’s areas downed tools and walked out last night.
The strike has the potential to cause significant disruptions to airport operations. Travellers should expect delays and cancellations during this period.
The industrial action is scheduled to last for 24 hours. It began at 11.59pm yesterday (September 23) and ends at 11.59pm today (September 24).
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling. Ryanair said: “Due to a ground handling strike affecting Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Olbia (OLB), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Bologna (BLQ) airports on Tues 24 Sept, we have been forced to cancel a small number of flights to/from these airports and make schedule changes to a small number of others.
“Passengers affected by these cancellations/schedule changes have been notified of their options via email. Additionally, we are monitoring potential delays for flights to/from the affected airports on Tues 24 Sept as a result of the strike.
“Passengers affected by delays will be notified via the Ryanair app. We ask all passengers due to travel to/from Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Olbia (OLB), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Bologna (BLQ) airports on Tues 24 Sept to keep an eye on the Ryanair app for the latest updates on your flight.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this strike, which is outside of our control.”
EasyJet has also issued advice to passengers about the strike. It shared details on how customers can check their flight details.
The airline said it would contact affected customers directly, via SMS and email, using the details they provided at booking. Passengers on cancelled flights will be eligible for refunds – alternatively, they can transfer to a new flight free of charge.