Strike actions could ripple across the airline’s system.
Travelers whose fall plans include Italy should double check their itineraries. Vienna-based discount airline EasyJet Europe is facing a pre-planned pilot strike by its Italian pilot workgroup, reports The Independent.
The pilot labor union, UIL Transporti, has said they will walk out for four hours on the afternoon of October 27, affecting easyJet flights at bases Milan, Naples, and Venice. Other EasyJet flights in Italy do not appear to be specifically targeted by the union, but strike actions could ripple across the airline’s system as flight cancellations tend to have lasting effects.
Although the strike action would be short, a significant number of aircraft and crew could either start their flights late, or be out of place when they’re needed elsewhere, which could create issues far outside Italy.
An EasyJet spokesperson told The Independent that they’re working with the pilot’s union to avoid a work action, and they have several weeks to reach an agreement.
EasyJet is Europe’s second largest low-cost carrier behind Ryanair, with 308 aircraft and 29 bases across the continent. The airline operates on a model similar to that of Frontier and Spirit Airlines in the United States, offering a base fare that includes only a seat and a small personal item. Larger cabin bags, checked bags, seat assignments, and other amenities are available for an additional fee.
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The airline’s operation in Italy is significant. It flies from 17 Italian airports, although not all flights to and from those airports are operated by pilots belonging to UIL Transporti. Because Britain has left the European Union EasyJet has multiple subsidiaries, operating under different certificates. The EasyJet Europe subsidiary is the certificate affected by the work action; EasyJet UK, which operates flights to Italy from Britain, is unlikely to be affected by the work action. The two subsidiaries, plus easyJet Switzerland, all operate under the EasyJet brand but do not share aircraft or crews.
It gets confusing, however, because on some routes the airlines are mixed. Between Venice and London Gatwick, for example, both subsidiaries operate flights: easyJet UK with flight numbers beginning with EZY; and EasyJet Europe with flight numbers beginning with EJU.
Luckily for passengers, strikes are considered controllable delays and passengers could qualify for cash compensation from EasyJet if their flights are delayed more than a few hours under EU261 consumer protection regulations. The regulations also apply if passengers are affected by a cancelled flight, and are rebooked on another flight that arrives more than a few hours later than originally scheduled.
The airline also offers a number of options for passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled, including flights booked with other airlines. The airline will also reimburse expenses such as meals, hotels, and ground transportation in the event they are unable to provide those services directly to passengers (with receipts) at the time and point of the flight disruption. The airline is unable to reimburse for items such as missed hotel stays or activities; travelers seeking to cover other nonrefundable parts of their itinerary should consider purchasing travel insurance.
Strike actions are not uncommon at EasyJet’s European subsidiary. The airline canceled over 200 flights from Portugal in August during a three-day strike by flight attendants. That strike was caused by crew concerns about frequent work schedule changes, insufficient staffing, and pressure to work overtime.
The strike comes on the heels of easyJet’s announcement that it will close its Venice pilot base in 2025, transferring the three aircraft based there to other airports. Venice will remain on the airline’s route network, and the airline’s Venice based pilots and flight attendants will be offered transfers to other Italian bases. The airline has plans to grow the number of flights at both Milan Malpensa and Naples airports.