- Flight Disruptions
- EasyJet and Italy air traffic control strikes could disrupt UK flights on 11 May
EasyJet and Italy air traffic control strikes could disrupt UK flights on 11 May
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
May qualify for compensation
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 11 May 2026
3
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
3
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Passengers flying between the United Kingdom and Italy on 11 May 2026 could face delays or cancellations as a one-day EasyJet cabin crew strike overlaps with a national air traffic control strike in Italy. Flights linked to Gatwick Airport are among those at risk, while routes serving Rome Airport and Naples Airport are expected to feel the strongest effect during the Italian walkout from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm local time. EasyJet is advising travelers to check their booking status before setting out for the airport. If your disruption is caused by EasyJet's own staff, EC 261 may apply on eligible routes, but if air traffic control is responsible, compensation is usually less likely even though airlines should still provide care and assistance.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast and risk-free
highest success rate
Disruption details
Passengers flying between the United Kingdom and Italy on 11 May 2026 could face delays and cancellations as a one-day EasyJet cabin crew strike overlaps with a separate air traffic control walkout in Italy. Services linked to Italian airports, including flights connected with Gatwick Airport, are at risk throughout the day.
For passengers, this could mean last-minute schedule changes, longer waits, and a less certain journey than expected. Because the two strikes are happening on the same day, routes between the UK and Italy carry a higher risk of disruption, especially if you're heading to Rome or Naples.
The first disruption comes from EasyJet's cabin crew based outside the UK. Their strike is aimed at flights serving Italian destinations, and the airline has warned that services operating into and out of Italy may be delayed or canceled on 11 May 2026.
Unlike the Italian air traffic control action, no specific start and finish times have been set out for the cabin crew walkout. That means disruption could show up at different points across the day, especially on departures from Gatwick Airport.
EasyJet is advising passengers to check the status of their booking before leaving for the airport. If you're traveling with tight plans at either end of the trip, that extra check could save you an unnecessary wait.
The second disruption is a national strike by Italy's air traffic control staff. That walkout is scheduled from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm local time on 11 May 2026, and routes between the UK and Rome Airport, Naples Airport and Cagliari Airport are expected to feel the strongest impact.
Even if your flight isn't going directly to Rome or Naples, delays there can still spread across the network. Aircraft and crew rotations can slip, and that can affect other Italian services and connecting journeys later in the day.
Here's what is scheduled on 11 May 2026:
EasyJet's cabin crew strike is set to affect flights serving Italian destinations throughout 11 May.
Italy's air traffic control strike is scheduled to run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm local time.
Routes involving Gatwick Airport, Rome Airport, Naples Airport and Cagliari Airport could see the most visible disruption, with knock-on delays possible elsewhere in Italy.
The two disputes are unrelated, but their timing matters. When an airline staff strike and an air traffic control strike happen on the same day, the chance of wider schedule disruption rises, and some passengers may see delays build as the day goes on.
Your rights will depend on what causes your disruption. If your flight is canceled or arrives more than 3 hours late because of EasyJet's own staff strike, EC 261 may apply on eligible routes between the UK and Italy. If the delay is caused by air traffic control instead, compensation is usually less likely because that sits outside the airline's control.
Even when compensation doesn't apply, airlines should still provide care and assistance during long waits. That can include help with rerouting or refunds, as well as food, drinks, or accommodation when your journey requires it.
Both strike actions are due to end on 11 May 2026, so flights should settle once the walkouts finish. Until then, it's worth monitoring updates from your airline and checking your rights with AirHelp's free flight checker before you travel.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Airline strike
Status
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Airlines affected
Easyjet
Airports affected
London Gatwick Airport, Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Naples Airport
Cities affected
Gatwick, Rome, Naples, London
Countries affected
United Kingdom, Italy
Start date
2026-05-11
End date
2026-05-11
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
11 May 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
