Chaos expected in major European tourist hotspot as easyJet plans walkout

flight attendants are set to strike next week in Italy which could cause a "ripple effect" across the industry. Flight attendants will stage a national walkout for four hours on Wednesday 9 April, according to the Italian Ministry of Transport, between 10.30am and 2.30pm local time.

The strike, which will involve workers from three unions, is expected to impact flights to and from Milan and Naples airports. Anton Radchenko, international lawyer and CEO of compensation company explained they could create a "ripple effect" as other services may have to depart later than planned and flights between the UK and Italy and could "very easily" be impacted.

Radchenko added: "Trends suggest that could be an industry-wide nightmare for airlines in 2025, with pilots and crew seeking better pay and working conditions across major European economies."

easyJet pilots went on strike in February, and staff from Finland's flagship airline, Finnair, walked out in late March causing 70 flights to be cancelled in one day.

This latest wave of strikes could prove "extremely costly" for the budget airline, due to the courts "possibly viewing staff strikes as avoidable", according to the lawyer.

Air passenger rights regulation entitles flyers to of between £220 and £520 if their flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled, as a result of industrial action by airline staff.

He concluded: "If your easyJet flight on 9 April is cancelled or delayed, we strongly suggest collecting any written evidence like SMS or emails stating strikes as the reason."

easyJet told MailOnline: "easyJet has been formally advised of a four hour air transport workers strike including some Italian-based cabin crew unions on Wednesday 9 April 2025, which is expected to impact some flights to and from Milan and Naples airports.

"We would like to reassure customers that we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action and should any flights be impacted we will be contacting customers directly with their options to help rearrange their plans."

The Express has approached easyJet for comment.