Travel chaos in Italy/ Flights canceled due to nationwide strike and fire!
Major airports in Italy have already started canceling flights on Tuesday in preparation for a day of nationwide strikes. Now, all air traffic at Ciampino airport has been suspended due to a small fire that broke out on Wednesday morning.
The fire is the latest disruption to Italy's scheduled flights after airport staff staged a 24-hour walkout by unions over ongoing disputes. Some trains and public transport in Milan and the rest of the Lombardy region have also been affected by a 23-hour strike.
Rome's second largest airport, Ciampino Airport, has had to suspend all flights after a small, now extinguished fire broke out inside the tower of ENAV, the Italian air navigation service provider. This was initially announced by NAV (Ente nazionale di assistenza al volo), the company that manages Italian air traffic.
While the fire has now been extinguished, the cause is still unknown. At this stage it is understood there was no damage to any equipment needed to operate the airport's control tower. The airport is used by many budget airlines, including Ryanair.
The incident comes after most of Italy's major airports, including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Catania and Venice, had to cancel flights due to a nationwide strike, including four international ITA Airways flights and a regional train strike in Lombardy. More flights could be cancelled throughout the day and ITA Airways has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
What is the reason for the travel strikes in Italy?
Handling staff from companies affiliated with Italy's largest aviation association, Assohandlers, have walked off the job for 24 hours due to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions. The unions are demanding better working hours, higher wages and more benefits for ground staff.
Airport handlers manage many of the vital services at airports and in the past, such as the Belgian strike in January, have had a significant impact on airport logistics. In addition to flight cancellations, passengers may experience delays in receiving their luggage at their arrival destination.
Some trains and public transport in the Lombardy region are also expected to be affected by strikes today, organised by the Orsa Ferrovie union, which planned the industrial action due to unresolved labour regulation and financial compensation issues.
Regional rail company Trenord said it could affect all Lombardy train services, including regional, suburban, airport and long-distance trains. For any airport shuttle trains cancelled today, the company said it would deploy buses to run between Milan Cadorna and Malpensa airport. Are passengers entitled to compensation due to the strike?
Under EU law, if a flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a refund or an alternative flight. If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to reimbursement for unplanned expenses, such as meals and accommodation. Contact your airline or travel agent to claim your refund, although be aware that it may take months for your money to arrive.
Under EU law, rail passengers within the bloc are also entitled to compensation. If your train is delayed but you choose to travel anyway, you may be entitled to a partial or full refund. This usually depends on how late your train arrives at its destination. If your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can choose not to travel and will receive a full refund for your ticket. Alternatively, you can choose to travel at a later date.
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