Disrupted Journeys Ahead: Italy’s 28 May Strikes to Hit Key Routes
Italy is bracing for a rough travel day on 28 May, as walkouts by transport workers on the ground and in the air are expected to throw both airports and city traffic into disarray. Several groups of workers are set to walk out, including taxi drivers across major urban centres and airport staff in Milan. Additionally, flight crews employed by the low-cost airline easyJet have announced their involvement, which could add further complications to scheduled flights.
The taxi strike will not be nationwide, but it will disrupt services in key destinations such as Rome, Naples, Turin, and Lamezia Terme. In Bari, the protest will take place over a 12-hour period, running from 09.00 until 21.00. Meanwhile, ground operations at Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports are expected to be affected by a four-hour stoppage between 13.00 and 17.00. EasyJet’s pilots and flight attendants based in Italy will strike during the same timeframe.
Regions facing the most disruption include Lombardy, particularly Milan, where both airports handle large volumes of domestic and international passengers. Southern cities like Naples and Lamezia Terme may also experience limited ground mobility. According to Italy’s air travel regulator, any flights taking off between 07.00 and 10.00 or between 18.00 and 21.00 must go ahead no matter what as those hours are legally protected from strike interference. Outside of these hours, however, cancellations or delays remain a strong possibility.
Travellers passing through affected cities should prepare for longer wait times and limited availability of taxis, especially around airports and transport hubs. Booking alternative transportation in advance could help minimize inconvenience. Those flying with easyJet are urged to verify flight status updates and arrive at airports with additional time to spare, as some ground services may operate with reduced staffing during the disruption.
These strikes show just how shaky things are behind the scenes in Italy’s transport world, and how fast even the best-laid travel plans can fall apart. For travellers, the key takeaway is the need to stay flexible, plan ahead, and keep informed. While the strike may last only a few hours, its ripple effects may persist throughout the day, particularly for those relying on tight connections or same-day transfers.