EasyJet forced to cancel more than 160 flights later this month during strike
EASYJET has been forced to cancel more than 160 flights due to a strike happening later this month.
More than half of the planes expected to take off will remain on the ground from the 15th to the 17th of August.
The National Civil Aviation Flight Staff Union (SNPVAC) announced: “Regrettably, and despite not yet being included in the Crew schedules, we see that as of today, easyJet has already cancelled 164 out of 308 flights that were scheduled for the 15th, 16th and 17th of August.”
SNPVAC called for a three-day strike by cabin crew at easyJet, between August 15th and 17th.
This was after approval at a meeting where 99 per cent voted in favour accusing the company of ignoring attempts to resolve labour issues.
These issues included lack of staff and an increase in the number of working hours.
The strike begins at 00:01 on August 15th and ends at 24:00 on the 17th, for “all flights carried out by easyJet, as well as for other services to which cabin crew are linked”, in Portugal.
The airline did not see the need for the “unnecessary strike” and, after urging the union to resume dialogue, they promised to do everything to minimise the impact.
An official statement from the airline read: “We are extremely disappointed with this unnecessary strike action, especially at this important time of year, as we have already presented solutions to address all concerns raised by the union”.”
It comes as Brits heading to Spain this week are being warned to expect more travel disruption at the airport.
Security staff are set to strike for five days at Alicante Airport, affecting holidaymakers travelling through.
The five-day strike will impact holidaymakers from today (July 31, 2024) until Sunday (August, 4, 2024).
According to a notice on the Jet2 website, security services at Alicante Airport will be affected from 8.30am until 9.30am and 6pm until 7pm.
Holidaymakers are being encouraged to allow extra time to make sure they don’t miss their flight.
They wrote: “The strike is supported by security services at the airport and will affect congestion at security control.
“Please allow extra time to pass through check-in and security. Your flight is still due to depart at the scheduled time and check-in will close 40 minutes before a flight’s departure time.
“Jet2holidays customers can be assured that transfers have been arranged to ensure you have enough time to pass through security.”
While the advise has only been issued by Jet2, Brit holidaymakers travelling on other airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and TUI are also likely to be impacted by the strike action.
Strikes involving security staff have been taking place at Alicante Airport since September 2023.