Italy Faces Major Travel Delays Due to Nationwide Strike

Italy is preparing for significant travel disruptions this Friday, September 26, 2025. Two of the country's largest trade unions, CUB Trasporti and USB, have called a 24-hour nationwide strike. This action will affect airline crews and airport staff across the country, making travel challenging for many people starting their weekend.

Key airports, including Milan's Linate and Malpensa, are expected to see the most severe impact. The strike will also affect ground operations, pilots, and cabin crew from several airlines. Travelers should check their flight status carefully, especially for flights outside specific protected hours.

Widespread Impact on Airport Operations

The strike on September 26 will affect many areas of airport operations. Ground staff, including baggage handlers from Assohandlers, are scheduled to stop work. Their stoppage will occur between 10 am and 2 pm. Drivers at Milan airports will also strike for the entire day. These actions are likely to cause significant operational delays at major hubs.

Beyond Milan, other airports will also experience disturbances. Sardinia’s Cagliari Elmas Airport is one location where travelers can expect disruptions throughout the day. The combined actions of various staff groups will create a complex situation for airport management and passengers.

Airline Staff Join Walkout

Pilots and cabin crew from several low-cost airlines will also participate in the strike. Carriers such as Volotea and Wizz Air Malta have staff joining the walkout. These workers are striking over concerns about low wages and poor working conditions. This highlights ongoing labor disputes within the aviation sector.

The participation of airline personnel means that flight cancellations are possible, not just delays. This adds another layer of complexity for travelers. The unions aim to put pressure on airlines and airport operators to improve employee compensation and benefits.

"The strike is part of a larger wave of industrial action in Italy aimed at addressing disputes over pay and working conditions," stated a union representative. "Workers across the transport sector are seeking fair wages and better treatment."

Guaranteed Flights and Passenger Advice

Despite the widespread worker action, not all flights will be canceled. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has confirmed that certain flights are guaranteed to operate. Flights scheduled between 7 am and 10 am and again from 6 pm to 9 pm are protected during the strike.

These time slots are designated as protected windows by ENAC. This ensures that flights within these periods will proceed as planned. However, passengers scheduled to travel outside of these guaranteed hours may experience cancellations or delays. It is crucial for travelers to check for updates directly with their respective airlines.

Security and Wait Times

In addition to ground and airline staff, security personnel at some airports are also joining the strike. Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport are participating. This will likely result in longer wait times at security checkpoints. Travelers passing through this airport, and potentially others, should factor in extra time.

Longer security queues can lead to a higher chance of delays, even for flights within the protected windows. Passengers should arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This helps account for potential bottlenecks at security and check-in desks.

Anticipating Further Disruptions in October

This Friday's strike is not an isolated event. It marks the beginning of a series of travel disruptions expected to continue into October 2025. Travelers planning trips through Italy in the coming weeks should be aware of these upcoming actions.

A nationwide rail strike is scheduled to take place from 9 pm on October 2 until 9 pm on October 3. This will further exacerbate potential travel chaos across the country. Rail services are a vital part of Italy's transportation network, and this strike will affect many commuters and tourists.

• October 2-3: Nationwide rail strike (24 hours)
• October 13: Airport staff walkouts planned for Rome Fiumicino, Pisa, and Florence airports.
• October 29: Another strike at Milan Linate, specifically affecting Swissport Italia ground handlers.

These additional strikes mean that flexibility will be key for travelers. It is highly recommended that passengers remain flexible with their plans. They should also allow for extra time to reach their destinations. Transportation services across both air and rail networks may be unreliable during this entire period.

Union Demands and Economic Pressures

The CUB Trasporti and USB unions represent a large number of employees in Italy’s transport sectors. They have called for these strikes as part of an ongoing effort to secure better wages and working conditions. This applies to workers in both the aviation and rail industries.

While strikes are common in many European countries, the scale and timing of this action are particularly disruptive. They coincide with peak travel periods, especially at the start of the weekend. The unions emphasize that economic pressures have made it difficult for workers to maintain their living standards.

Airlines like Volotea and Wizz Air Malta have expressed challenges in attracting and retaining staff. This situation is made worse by ongoing economic pressures. The demand for better pay and working conditions has become a central issue in these industrial actions. The unions argue that improved conditions are necessary to ensure a stable workforce.

Final Advice for Travelers

Given the expected disruptions, travelers are strongly advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport. The likelihood of flight cancellations and delays is high, especially for flights outside the protected time slots.

Allowing extra time for journeys is a critical precaution. This is particularly important for those traveling during peak hours or outside the guaranteed flight periods. Staying updated with announcements from ENAC and respective airlines will provide real-time information.

Flight tracking apps and official airline websites offer the most current details on cancellations and delays. The ongoing strike action in Italy will significantly impact the country’s transport sector. Many passengers can expect delays and cancellations. As industrial action continues into October, travelers must remain adaptable and informed.

The series of strikes underscores continuing struggles within Italy's transportation sector. Workers are pushing for improved conditions and fair compensation. For now, travelers should prepare for disruptions and ensure they have all necessary information before traveling.