As thousands of travelers gear up for the Easter break, looming strikes in Italy and Greece are casting a shadow over holiday plans. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, aviation workers in Italy and Greece are set to stage walkouts, which could lead to significant travel chaos during one of the busiest times of the year

What’s happening on April 9, 2025?

On Wednesday, April 9, aviation workers in Italy and Greece are planning nationwide strikes that will severely impact flight schedules in both countries. The timing of these strikes coincides with the busy Easter travel window, raising concerns of mass disruptions. In Italy, easyJet flight attendants, represented by the Italian Federation of Transport Workers (FILT), the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), and the Italian Union of Transport (UIL), have announced a four-hour strike from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Central European Time on April 9.

An easyJet spokesperson addressed the situation, stating, "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." The airline is working to minimize disruptions and will contact affected customers directly to assist with rearranging their travel plans.

The timing of this strike coincides with the Easter holidays, a peak travel period for families and tourists. Travelers flying to Italian destinations such as Milan, Naples, Rome, and Pisa from various UK airports, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, may experience delays or cancellations

Why are easyJet cabin crew in Italy striking?

The strike is part of an ongoing dispute over working conditions, pay agreements, and contract negotiations. Union representatives have claimed that their demands for fair treatment and improved terms have not been met by the airline.

Who is going on strike in Greece and why?

In Greece, air traffic controllers are joining a 24-hour nationwide public sector strike led by ADEDY, the country’s largest civil servants’ union. During this period, only specific flights, including medical, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, military, and emergency services, will be permitted to operate. Commercial flights are likely to be significantly affected, potentially grounding numerous services to and from Greece

Their demands include:

  • Restoration of holiday bonuses
  • Real wage increases
  • Government action on the housing crisis
  • More staffing and better equipment for air traffic control

During this period, only specific flights, including medical, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, military, and emergency services, will be permitted to operate. Commercial flights are likely to be significantly affected, potentially grounding numerous services to and from Greece

What flights are likely to be affected?

  • In Italy, easyJet flights operating to and from cities such as Milan, Naples, Rome, and Pisa are at risk of delays or cancellations.
  • In Greece, the airspace will be closed to all commercial flights for the duration of the strike. Only emergency, humanitarian, and military flights will be permitted to operate.

How many travelers could be impacted?

Tens of thousands of passengers across Europe are expected to be affected. With Easter weekend being one of the busiest travel periods, airports in Italy, Greece, and connected hubs in the UK and mainland Europe could see widespread delays.

Potential ripple effects across Europe

The concurrent strikes in Italy and Greece are expected to have a ripple effect on air travel across Europe. Disruptions in these key transit countries could lead to delays and cancellations on connecting flights, affecting travelers beyond those with direct flights to Italy and Greece. Airlines operating in the region may face operational challenges, leading to a broader impact on European air travel networks. 

What are the broader implications of these strikes?

These strikes reflect a growing wave of labor unrest across Europe’s aviation sector. Chronic understaffing, inflation pressures, and strained labor relations are combining to trigger industrial action. If unresolved, such disruptions could become more frequent—particularly during peak travel periods like summer and Christmas.

How are airlines and airports responding to minimize disruption?

  • easyJet has confirmed it is in touch with affected customers and is offering flexible rebooking options. The airline has also advised passengers to check the status of their flights and allow extra time at airports.
  • Greek airports are coordinating with international carriers to adjust schedules and reroute flights where possible.
  • Some low-cost carriers are proactively rearranging crew schedules to mitigate the impact.

Are passengers eligible for compensation?

Yes, in many cases. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600 (£520) per passenger—unless the strike is deemed beyond the airline’s control, such as an air traffic controller strike.

For airline staff strikes (like easyJet's), compensation is more likely to be upheld.

Advice for affected travelers

Passengers with flights scheduled on April 9 to or from Italy and Greece are advised to take the following steps:​

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from your airline regarding the status of your flight. Airlines are expected to communicate directly with passengers about any changes or cancellations.​
  • Understand Your Rights: Under EU air passenger rights regulations, travelers may be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled due to airline staff strikes. Compensation amounts can range from £220 to £520, depending on the flight distance and delay duration. 
  • Document Everything: Collect written evidence of any delays or cancellations, such as emails or text messages from the airline stating the reason for the disruption. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a compensation claim.​
  • Consider Alternative Plans: Given the potential for significant disruptions, explore alternative travel arrangements, such as rescheduling flights or considering other modes of transportation, if feasible.

This is not the first such disruption in Europe’s aviation industry in 2025. The aviation industry in Europe has already experienced a series of localized strikes since the start of the year, particularly around labor disputes involving baggage handlers, air traffic controllers, and low-cost carrier staff. This latest action is, however, one of the largest coordinated disruptions expected this season.

Is there any chance the strikes will be called off?

There is always the possibility that last-minute negotiations between unions and authorities may lead to the strikes being cancelled or reduced in scale. However, as of now, no breakthroughs have been reported.

If you’re traveling to Italy or Greece around April 9, it’s crucial to plan ahead, stay updated, and remain flexible. With tensions rising in the aviation sector, the Easter 2025 travel season may prove to be a bumpy ride for many. As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed through official airline communications, and be prepared for possible changes to their travel plans. By proactively managing the arrangements and understanding the rights, passengers can better navigate the potential disruptions posed by the upcoming strikes in Italy and Greece.

Stay safe and informed!