Traffic controllers strike in Italy affects 200 over Alitalia flights
In the 13-17 range, Italian air traffic controllers are on strike!
Today, 20 March 2017, air traffic controllers in Italy are on strike, in the 13-17 time range. Dozens of flights are affected by this protest movement, most from Alitalia and Ryanair.
Alitalia has canceled more than 200 flights, which means about 40% of scheduled flights today on domestic and international routes. Flights operated from 7:00 to 10:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 are not affected.
Traffic controllers strike in Italy
After this period, Alitalia announces that only the flights will operate: AZ856 Milan Malpensa - Abu Dhabi; AZ680 Roma Fiumicino - Buenos Aires; AZ1673 Rome - Fiumicino - Pisa (operated by Etihad Regional); AZ1131 Rome Fiumicino - Ancona (operated by Etihad Regional).
At the moment, Alitalia has not announced the cancellation of long-haul flights. The flights to Rio de Janeiro (AZ672) are confirmed; San Paolo (AZ674) and Santiago de Chile (AZ688). Low cost airlines Ryanair and easyJet have also announced dozens of canceled flights.
This strike by air traffic controllers will greatly affect Alitalia flights. The company recently announced the new business plan for the period 2017 - 2021. It provides for adjustments to operational costs, layoffs and many other radical and necessary measures for the profitability and stability of the Italian company. Unions threaten new protests among airlines.