Several major airports in Italy initially suspended their flight schedules on Tuesday as a nationwide strike was set to begin.
Currently, all air traffic at Rome's Ciampino Airport has been halted due to a reported blaze that occurred earlier this morning.
This fire is the latest disruption to Italy's scheduled flights following a 24-hour union strike by airport staff who are protesting ongoing disputes.
Some trains and public transportation in Milan and the rest of the Lombardy region have been impacted by a 23-hour labor stoppage.
Expect flight cancellations and delays while traveling through Italy today.
Italy's second largest airport, Ciampino Airport, has halted all flights following a small fire that erupted in a technical room at the base of the control tower, according to the Italian air traffic assistance service, ENAV (Ente Nazionale di Assistenza al Volo).
Although the fire has been extinguished, the origin of the fire remains a mystery. Fortunately, the control tower's operational equipment has not been damaged. The airport primarily serves low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair.
This incident follows a series of cancellations at the majority of Italy's major airports, including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Catania, and Venice, after a nationwide strike caused flights by ITA Airways to be grounded as well as rail disruptions in the Lombardy region.
There could be further flight cancellations throughout the day, and ITA Airways recommends that passengers verify the status of their flight before proceeding to the airport.
What are the reasons behind Italy's travel strikes?
Employees representing companies linked to Italy's main aviation association, Assohandlers, have taken a 24-hour strike in response to ongoing disagreements over salary and employment circumstances. Unions are requesting improved working hours, increased compensation, and additional benefits for ground staff.
Airline staff oversee many crucial airport services, and in the past, as seen during January's Belgium strike, their actions have greatly influenced airport operations. Apart from flight cancellations, passengers may experience delays in receiving their luggage upon arrival at their destination.
Trains and public transportation in the Lombardy region will be affected by strikes today, organized by the Orsa Ferrovie union. The strikes are in response to lingering labour regulation and financial compensation issues.
The regional railway company Trenord has stated that this may impact all train services in Lombardy, encompassing regional, suburban, airport, and long-distance trains.
For any airport shuttle trains cancelled today, the company will operate bus services between Milan Cadorna and Malpensa Airport.
Are passengers eligible for reimbursement due to a workers' stoppage?
Under European Union law, if a flight is cancelled, the airline must provide you with a refund or offer an alternative flight options.
If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to refunds for unexpected expenses, such as food and accommodations.
Please contact your airline or travel agency to submit your refund claims, though please note that it may take several months for the refund to arrive.
Everyone living within the bloc shall also be entitled to compensation.
If your train is delayed but you still choose to travel, you may qualify for a partial or full refund, provided this is based on the actual arrival time at your destination.
If your train is delayed by over an hour, you have the option of not traveling and will be fully reimbursed for your ticket price.
You have the option to travel at a later time if that suits you better.
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