Travellers in Italy are set to face disruption to their journeys on Friday (8 September) due to a series of 24-hour strikes by airline personnel and airport ground handers.
Three 24-hour national strikes have been called by unions Usb, Cub Transport and Flai Transport and services, which represent airline personnel, airport workers and ground handers.
According to Italy’s Strike Guarantee Commission, local walkouts have also been confirmed by Cub Trasporti in Verona (work stoppage from 14:00 to 17:00), Ugl Ta in Cagliari (from 00.01 to 23.59) and Cub Trasporti, which represents ground handlers at Milan Malpensa airport (from 00.01 to 23.59).
As a result, national carrier ITA Airways has already cancelled more than 30 domestic flights.
In a statement on its website the carrier confirmed it has activated “an extraordinary plan to limit the inconvenience of passengers by rebooking the largest possible number of travellers involved in the cancellations on the first available flights”. The airline said 55 per cent of passengers will be able to fly on the same day as the strike.
Airports in Venice, Treviso and Verona have also warned of security and flight delays.
As per Italian law, a minimum level of essential services will continue during the strike. Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) said all flights scheduled between 7:00 and 10:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 will proceed as planned.