Air transport strikes are among the most feared, because a cancelled flight breaks the whole chain of a trip. The rules are precise, though, and knowing them helps you judge how real the risk is and what you can claim if your flight is cancelled.
Who strikes, and why it matters
"Air strike" is a label covering very different categories:
- an airline's flight crew (pilots, cabin crew): affects only that airline's flights;
- air traffic controllers (ENAV): can block or slow traffic across a whole airspace;
- airport staff (handling, security, operators): affects one airport, sometimes heavily;
- service workers at airports: often limited effects.
Knowing the category is the first step in judging disruption. The upcoming strikes page always shows sector and category.
Protected bands and guaranteed flights
During an air transport strike, flights scheduled to depart in the 07:00–10:00 and 18:00–21:00 bands must operate. Beyond the bands, ENAC publishes a list of guaranteed flights, including essential links to the islands.
If your flight is in a protected band or on the list, it is very likely to depart. If not, the risk depends on turnout: many flights outside the bands still operate.
Protected periods when strikes cannot happen
Air transport has franchigia periods in which strikes cannot take place, tied to traffic peaks: the height of summer (roughly 27 July to 5 September), the year-end holidays (17 December to 7 January) and the days around Easter, as well as those close to elections. The year's picture is in the strike calendar.
If your flight is cancelled
Under regulation (EC) 261/2004 you are always entitled to:
- choose between a refund (within seven days) and an alternative flight to your destination;
- care while you wait: meals, drinks and, if needed, a hotel and transfer.
These rights do not depend on the reason for the cancellation.
Compensation depends on who strikes
Cash compensation — 250, 400 or 600 euros depending on distance — is where most confusion lies.
- If the operating airline's own staff strike, the EU Court of Justice (case C-28/20, 2021) ruled this is not an extraordinary circumstance: compensation is owed.
- If staff outside the airline strike — air traffic controllers, airport workers — the strike is normally treated as an extraordinary circumstance and compensation is not owed. Refund and care still apply.
- Either way, it is not owed if the airline told you about the cancellation at least 14 days before departure.
What to do in practice
- Check your flight number and time against the bands and guaranteed flights.
- Keep your booking contact details up to date: airlines announce cancellations by email and SMS.
- If your flight is cancelled, ask the airline for rebooking or a refund; for compensation, keep the notice you received.
- Unresolved complaints can go to ENAC.
For rights on trains and buses, see the guide to ticket refunds.