Brits flying to and from an EU country are warned to keep on their guard for travel chaos tomorrow. Strike action in Italy is expected, which would disrupt air travel all day on Friday. Wizz Air and Volotea staff at numerous key air hubs across the country are due to walk out, affecting more than 100 flights, and up to 20,000 travellers, between Britain and Italy, experts warn. Flights could be cancelled, causing rolling delays.

“There are around 100 daily flights between Italy and the UK, airlines are very efficient at delivering services between the two countries, meaning that even a one day disruption like the one we’re expecting can cause lots of knock on delays in the days that follow,” Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said. He added: “When airline staff strike, this is considered to be within control of the airline, as the industrial action could have been avoided.

“This means that when these strikes do go ahead, passengers affected by the strikes could be due compensation from the airline for any disruption to their travel plans.”

Italy’s civil aviation authority says flights scheduled between 7am and 10am and 6pm and 9pm must still operate during the strikes, Euronews reports.

Details of guaranteed services are listed on the ENAC’s website.

Mr Danailov pointed out that industrial action by airport staff, however, is considered to be “extraordinary circumstances”, and usually outside of an airline’s control.

“This means that most of the time airlines do not have to pay compensation for flights cancelled or delayed due to these strikes,” he said.

His firm offers a “free, no obligation” compensation calculator to determine the level of compensation that customers might be eligible for.

Mr Danailov said: “Regardless of whose strike causes it, you are still entitled to a refund or a replacement flight if your flight is cancelled.

“Airlines have a duty of care to passengers, meaning it must help to provide meals, drinks, and accommodation in the event of an overnight stay due to delays.”