Travellers to Italy being affected by waves of strikes are being alerted to compensation they could claim. Italy has been grappling with waves of unrest in public transport, including buses, trains, trams, and airport strikes over the past month. There is the threat of more upheaval in October as employees strike for better pay and safer working conditions.

Carriers like Ryanair have been caught in the crossfire, forced to delay or cancel scores of flights amid the strife in hotspots such as Bologna, Milan, Rome, and Venice. Yet despite the disruption to countless holiday itineraries, one expert revealed that holidaymakers may be entitled to more compensation than they reckon. A representative from Claims.

co.uk has urged travellers not just to brace for the knock-on effects but to keep an eye their rightful dues. Pointing out the specifics, the spokesperson said: "In these specific circumstances, delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control restrictions are considered an 'extraordinary circumstance' and therefore do not qualify for compensation.

In cases of flight delays and flight cancellations due to an 'extraordinary circumstance,' the airline must provide you with additional services, depending on the length of your delay and waiting time." Fliers faced with delays or cancellations could be in for a surprise, as the expert points out you might be entitled to free meals and refreshments if your flight's been held up for over 2 hours, or even an overnight stay com.