Airlines are warning about potential cancellations as air traffic control workers in Italy prepare to strike on Sunday (May 28).
Italian carrier Alitalia said it had already cancelled some domestic and international flights on Sunday as unions plan to hold “multiple” strikes.
Air traffic controllers are set to take industrial action from 13.00 to 17.00 on Sunday while other unions representing Alitalia employees plan walkouts from 10.00 to 18.00.
“Alitalia has taken special measures to mitigate customer inconvenience and rebook the highest number of passengers affected by cancellations onto the first available flights,” said the airline in a statement.
“So far, 80 per cent of passengers have already been booked onto alternative flights.”
British Airways said the ATC strike was “likely to bring significant disruption to airlines and customers at what is a very busy time of year”.
“Although we will be retiming some services to avoid the periods of industrial action, unfortunately it is likely that we may be forced to cancel a number of flights to and from Italy,” added BA.
“We will be using larger aircraft, where possible on other services, to help affected customers and are doing all we can to reduce the levels of disruption.”
Easyjet has also warned that there could be some cancellations on flights to and from Italy on Sunday.
“We will advise any affected customers of any flight changes via email and SMS,” said Easyjet. “We would therefore ask customers not to call the call centre.
“Although this is outside of our control would like to assure them that we are doing everything possible to minimise any disruption.”