Airline strike on Tuesday, July 21, 2026: EasyJet and DAT flights at risk, schedules and guaranteed slots

A national aviation industry strike has been called for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, involving EasyJet and DAT LT flight crews, as well as handling workers at several Italian airports. Delays and cancellations are possible for flights departing from and arriving at Naples Capodichino and Salerno Costa d'Amalfi airports, where GH Napoli and Sky Service staff will be on standby for four hours.

Who is striking and for how long

The strike was called by USB Basic Union Private Employment for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement, which expired over nine months ago. The protests involve various categories of workers:

• EasyJet flight crew — 24 hours, from 00:00 to 23:59
• UAB DAT LT flight personnel (flights to Lampedusa, Pantelleria, and Ancona) — 24 hours a day, from 00:00 AM to 23:59 PM
• Fedex Corporation at Milan Malpensa Airport — 24 hours
• ALHA and MLE-BCUBE (handling) at Milan Malpensa — 24 hours
• SACAL Ground Handling at Lamezia Terme Airport — 24 hours
• GH Napoli and Sky Service at Naples and Salerno airports — 4 hours, from 10:00 to 14:00
• GEASAR at Olbia Airport — 4 hours, from 13:00 PM to 17:00 PM
• SOGEAAL at Alghero Airport — 4 hours, from 13:00 PM to 17:00 PM

The reasons for the protest

The strike is part of a long union battle for contract renewal EasyJet flight crew members, who have been laid off for over nine months, are demanding salary adjustments, revised shift and rest schedules, and recognition of seniority. According to the unions, industrial relations are deteriorating sharply.

The protest is just the latest in a series of strikes called by unions in the air transport sector, at a time of strong recovery in passenger traffic.

Guaranteed flights and protected time slots

During the strike, all flights departing in the following areas will remain guaranteed: protected time slots:

• 07: 00 - 10: 00
• 18: 00 - 21: 00

The ENAC (National Civil Aviation Authority) has published the list of flights considered essential and therefore guaranteed even outside of protected time slots:

Guaranteed EasyJet flights:

• EJU 4127: Naples — Cagliari
• EJU 4128: Cagliari — Naples
• EJU 3535: Malpensa — Catania
• EJU 3634: Catania — Malpensa
• EJU 3599: Malpensa — Lampedusa
• EJU 3993: Malpensa — Cape Verde (intercontinental)
• EJU 3893: Malpensa — Hurghada (intercontinental)

Guaranteed DAT LT flights:

• DAT 1802: Lampedusa — Palermo
• DAT 1807: Palermo — Lampedusa
• DAT 1821: Palermo — Pantelleria

Furthermore, the arrival at their destinations of all domestic flights in progress at the start of the strike must be guaranteed, as well as the departure of all flights scheduled for times prior to the start of the strike and delayed for reasons beyond the control of the parties.

How to check flight status

Passengers scheduled for a flight on Tuesday, July 21, are advised to:

• Check flight status on airline's website or app
• Check communications via email, SMS or notification received from the company
• Consult the website of theENAC for the updated list of guaranteed flights
• Do not go to the airport without first checking the status of your flight.

What to do in case of cancellation

If the flight is cancelled due to the strike, the passenger is entitled to:

• Ticket refund: can be requested via the link in the cancellation message sent by the company
• Free re-routing flight: the airline must offer an alternative flight at a different time, if available

Frequently asked questions about the July 21 air strike

Which airlines are involved in the strike?

The companies directly involved are EasyJet e DAT LTHowever, strikes by handling workers at various airports (including Naples and Salerno) could also cause disruption to flights operated by other airlines operating at those airports.

Which airports are affected by the protests?

The airports directly affected by the protests are Naples Capodichino Airport, Salerno Amalfi Coast Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, Lamezia Terme Airport, Olbia Airport, and Alghero Airport.However, the national strike by EasyJet flight crews affects all Italian airports served by the low-cost airline.

Are flights from Naples guaranteed?

Flights departing between 7:00 and 10:00 and 18:00 and 21:00 are guaranteed for all airlines. GH Napoli and Sky Service staff will be on strike from 10:00 to 14:00, so there may be delays in check-in and boarding during that time.

How can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?

In the event of a cancellation due to a strike, the airline is required to refund the ticket or offer a free alternative flight. Refund requests must be submitted via the link provided in the cancellation notification or by contacting the airline's customer service.