Travelers planning to fly in Italy this weekend should prepare for possible interruptions.

Workers from ITA Airways and Wizz Air have organized strikes for Saturday, while air traffic controllers at Rome Fiumicino Airport and ground staff at Florence Airport, Peretola; Milan Malpensa Airport; and Pisa International Airport also plan to halt work.

According to Crisis24, a risk management and crisis response company, “Travelers can expect airport delays, flight cancellations, and disruptions throughout Sept. 7.” They also indicated that these strikes could cause delays even after the work stoppages as authorities work to manage the backlog. Striking workers may gather around airports during the day.

Here’s what you need to know.

When will the strikes occur?

The strikes are set to take place from 1 to 5 p.m. local time.

What could this mean for travelers?

Scott Keyes, founder of Going, noted in an email to YSL News that “During such strikes, airports often limit the number of landings and departures, usually prioritizing larger, intercontinental flights.” This could benefit travelers flying from the U.S. while those flying within Europe may face more challenges.

Some international flights are considered essential by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, which guarantees their operation. More details can be found here. Additionally, national law guarantees that flights between 7-10 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. will continue, per Crisis24.

Wizz Air stated to YSL News that they are trying to lessen the effects of the strike, and passengers will be informed as needed. They also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.

In contrast, ITA mentioned to YSL News that they currently do not anticipate any cancellations or issues due to the worker strike.

Keyes explained that airline strikes are uncommon in the U.S. due to “stringent federal regulations that necessitate multiple rounds of negotiations, mediation, and cooling-off periods.”

“In Europe, however, the laws are less strict, allowing more frequent and spontaneous strikes across various sectors, including air travel,” he added. “Additionally, air travel unions in Europe are more fragmented than those in the U.S., leading to disruptions in flights.”

Unions for airline workers did not immediately respond to YSL News regarding the planned strike on Saturday.

What should passengers do if their flights are affected?

Under European Union regulations, passengers whose flights are canceled are entitled to refunds (and return flights in cases of connections), rerouting, or rebooking for a later date. These rights apply to flights operated by EU-based airlines as well as all carriers for flights within or from the EU. Additional compensation might be available if travelers are informed less than two weeks before their flight. Passengers have the right to receive assistance during wait times, including meals and lodging.

However, if the airline can demonstrate that the cancellation was due to “extraordinary circumstances,” they are not liable for compensation. However, a strike organized by airline union workers does not fall under this category.

“Thus, internal strikes do not exempt the airline from its obligation to compensate passengers in the event of cancellations or significant delays,” states the EU website. “In contrast, strikes involving external parties, like air traffic controllers or airport personnel, may qualify as extraordinary circumstances.” In such cases, airlines must provide support for rerouting and accommodations, such as meals, while they await alternate arrangements.

U.S. Department of Transportation regulations also apply to flights between the U.S. and Italy.

Keyes recommends that travelers reach out to their airline. “If you have a flight scheduled for Italy on Sept. 7 and have some flexibility, consider contacting your airline to see if they can reschedule your flight for a day or two later,” he advised. “It is common for airlines to accommodate such changes at no extra charge.”