KEY POINTS
- Italy plans nationwide air transport and rail strikes through late February.
- Aviation walkouts rescheduled to avoid impact during the Winter Olympics.
- Rail staff will strike at month’s end, affecting regional and high-speed services.
Travel in Italy faces significant disruption this month as strikes threaten flights and trains across the country. Initially scheduled aviation walkouts for mid-February have been postponed to reduce travel chaos amidst major sporting events. The nationwide air transport strike involves pilots, cabin crew and ground staff from major carriers and handling firms.
Workers from ITA Airways, Vueling and other operators were set to stage a 24-hour work stoppage. Flights across key hubs including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa and Venice Marco Polo were at risk of cancellation or delay. The strike was originally planned for 16 February but shifted to 26 February to avoid transport chaos during peak travel.
Italy’s aviation law mandates minimum service windows during strikes, but many departures fall outside these periods. Guaranteed flight slots typically run early morning and early evening, leaving midday and late night services vulnerable. Tens of thousands of passengers could still face cancellations, extended delays or rerouted itineraries on those days.
Airport workers from handling companies at Linate and Malpensa are also expected to join walkouts when action resumes. In addition to aviation strikes, rail transport employees plan a separate two-day walkout at the end of February. The rail strike will begin late on 27 February and extend through the evening of 28 February.
Regional, Intercity and high-speed bullet trains are likely to run at reduced levels or be cancelled. Passengers may find services unreliable as fewer staff are available to operate trains and manage schedules. Designated guaranteed trains will provide limited travel during core morning and evening hours.
Travelers planning multi-segment trips that include airport connections and train links could face compounded delays. Holiday schedules and ski season itineraries may be at risk due to overlapping transport interruptions. Industry observers advise visitors to monitor official strike calendars and airline notifications closely.
Alternative options such as bus services or earlier departures may help mitigate disruption. Flexible tickets and travel insurance could prove valuable for affected passengers during strike periods. Officials continue discussions with unions to finalise exact dates and potential rescheduling of walkouts.
The coordinated transport strikes underscore ongoing labour tensions in Italy’s transport sector. Travelers should prepare for possible interruptions when planning transit through Italian cities this month.
