Spain and Italy Strikes Could Hit Half-Term Travel Plans

Holidaymakers in Spain and Italy face rail disruption on 29 and 30 October, with airport journeys among those potentially affected. Renfe drivers have called a 24-hour strike in Spain on Thursday, followed by separate stoppages at high-speed operator Ouigo on Friday. Italian rail staff also plan industrial action, while airport-handling strikes in Pisa and Florence remain uncertain because of legal restrictions on aviation walkouts.

Renfe has published reduced Thursday services after drivers’ union SEMAF called a strike over safety and working conditions. The operator says it has met its commitments. On Friday, Ouigo faces a separate walkout affecting high-speed trains, although Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona services are expected to run normally. Ouigo has emailed affected passengers about free changes or refunds. Across the border, Italy’s USB union has called a nationwide stoppage that also includes rail transport.

Although the transport ministry lists planned ground-handling strikes at Pisa and Florence airports for Friday, Italy bans aviation walkouts from 30 October to 5 November. USB says it will proceed despite the regulator asking the government to intervene. Rail operators have separately warned that trains may be cancelled from 21:00 on Thursday until 20:59 on Friday, and have published lists of services expected to run.

Which Trains and Airport Links Are at Risk?

• Spain, 29 October: Renfe Cercanías outside Catalonia 75% at peaks, 50% otherwise.
• Other Renfe: Media Distancia averages 65%; high-speed and long-distance 73%.
• Catalonia: Rodalies and Regionales 66% at peaks, 33% otherwise; check train-specific timetables.
• Spain, 30 October: Ouigo has a 71% minimum service level; affected customers can change or refund tickets.
• Italy, 29–30 October: Check guaranteed rail services; Pisa/Florence airport strike status is unconfirmed.

Passengers catching flights should check the actual train number, not just the minimum-service percentage. Barcelona’s Rodalies website has published line-by-line timetables for Thursday. In Lombardy, cancelled Malpensa Express services on the Milano Cadorna and Stabio links will be replaced by direct buses; departures from Cadorna use Via Paleocapa 1. If your train is cancelled, contact the operator about a refund or alternative journey before rebooking airport transport.