Italy Airport Strikes Shift to 26 February
Nationwide airport strikes in Italy planned for 16 February have been postponed, reducing immediate pressure on flights during the Winter Olympics. The 24-hour industrial action will now take place on 26 February. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini intervened, arguing that transport services must be maintained during an event of global importance.
The original walkout was expected to affect major airports including Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo and Verona. Staff at ITA Airways had announced a full-day strike starting at midnight, with pilots, cabin crew and ground staff unions taking part. Tens of thousands of passengers faced possible cancellations and schedule changes before the postponement was confirmed.
Industrial action by Vueling cabin crew and easyJet pilots and flight attendants was also due on 16 February, alongside strikes by ground handling firms Airport Handling and ALHA at Milan’s airports. These actions are now likely to move to 26 February. A separate strike by ENAV, Italy’s national air traffic control provider, remains scheduled for 7 March and could bring further disruption.
What travellers should note
- Airport strike rescheduled for 26 February
- ENAV air traffic control strike planned for 7 March
- Guaranteed flight windows: 7am–10am and 6pm–9pm
- Rail strike set for 27–28 February
- Regional trains protected 6am–9am and 6pm–9pm
Rail services are also in scope. Staff at Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane plan a 24-hour walkout beginning at 9pm on 27 February. Regional, Intercity and high-speed Frecce trains may be affected, although certain long-distance services will run within protected time bands.
The change spares the main Olympic travel days, but the revised strike still lands in one of the busiest winter weeks for holidays and work trips. Flights to ski resorts, popular city destinations and connecting European routes could operate on reduced timetables or with fewer available seats. Travellers heading to Italy in late February or early March should check flight details, follow rail updates and leave extra time between connections.