EasyJet pilots in Italy are set to strike on Monday, February 24, potentially causing significant air travel disruption across Europe.
The industrial action, planned by three unions, will begin at 11am UK time (12pm CET) and last for a minimum of four hours.
The National Association of Professional Civil Aviation (ANPCA), the Italian Federation of Transport Workers (FILT) and the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) organised the strike and staff from Italian carrier Aeroitalia will also join the walkout.
The strike action was confirmed by Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, which has issued alerts to travellers about the expected disruption.
Strikes will take place across Italy next week
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International aviation lawyer Anton Radchenko, head of AirAdvisor, explained that pilot strikes can be particularly costly for airlines.
He said: "Unlike bad weather which is usually perceived by the courts as extraordinary circumstances, airline staff strikes are viewed as within an airline's control.
"This is because disagreements between airlines and unions can often be settled by improving staff pay or conditions."
The strikes could trigger widespread travel chaos across Europe due to a potential domino effect on flight schedules.
Anton said: "If you are due to fly with easyJet or Aeroitalia next week and your flight is cancelled with less than two weeks notice, you may be eligible for between £120 and £520 in compensation."
Further industrial action is planned later in the week, with baggage handlers at two Italian airports set to strike on February 28.
Staff at Venice Marco Polo airport will stage a 24-hour walkout and baggage handlers at Bergamo Orio al Serio airport will hold a four-hour strike from 12pm to 4pm on the same day.
The strikes join other strikes already seen across Italy so far this year.
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Baggage handlers will strike for 24 hours at Venice Marco Polo airport
GETTYElsewhere in Europe, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office notified holidaymakers that railway unions are set to strike in Belgium from February 21 until March 2.
Eurostar services are expected to remain unaffected during this period, however.
Britons have also been warned of new checks and fees when travelling to Spain, Portugal and France.
Ahead of the new Entry-Exit-System (EES), tourists will face more security measures when travelling to popular holiday destinations.
