Travellers across Italy facing trouble as air traffic controller went on strike

Travellers across Italy are facing trouble as air traffic controller went on a strike as well as unions also called out workers from budget airlines on 4-hour stoppages, prompting the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

As per spokesperson for the UIL Transporti union said on Wednesday, “Around 360 flights have been cancelled with over 4,000 passengers affected.”

Over the past several weeks, passengers across Europe have endured delays and cancellations as airlines as well as airports struggle to cope with a rebound in travel at the beginning of the summer season.

The union of Italy FILT-CGIL, as well as UIL Trasporti, has called a four-hour strike which begins from 0800 GMT for Ryanair workers in Italy, complaining regarding a cut in pay which is connected to on-board sales and tough labour conditions at Europe’s biggest budget airline.

Ryanair refused that any of its crew had joined in the strikes in Italy but added that it had cancelled a number of flights due to the action by air traffic controllers in northern and central Italy.

As per the statement released by Ryanair, “These ATC (air traffic control) strikes are entirely beyond our control, and we seriously apologize for any inconvenience they will inevitably cause.”

Flight controllers from Italy’s ENAV have walked out for 12 hours on Wednesday. EasyJet also accused the controllers for disruption to its schedules.

According to the statement released by easyJet, “Around 24 flights to as well as from the UK have been cancelled in advance to mitigate the effect on customers’ plans today along with providing the option to rebook before travelling to the airport.”