Italy to face major travel disruptions as airline and transport workers stage strikes today
Italy is set for nationwide travel disruptions as multiple worker unions across aviation and public transport launch coordinated strikes on November 14. According to a report by Travel + Leisure, the industrial action is expected to affect around 10,000 passengers and disrupt services at airports and within Rome’s transport network. The Air Traffic Trade Association (ASTRA), representing air traffic controllers under ENAV, has announced a four-hour walkout from 1 pm to 5 pm local time, signalling delays across all 45 airports managed by ENAV.
The strike comes alongside separate actions by staff from budget airlines easyJet and Volotea, raising the likelihood of widespread cancellations and extended waiting times for travellers flying in or out of Italy today.
With overlapping strikes by air traffic controllers, pilots, cabin crew and Rome’s public transport workers, travellers have been advised to prepare for schedule changes, reconfirm flights and expect service gaps throughout the day. Some flights will operate due to mandatory minimum-service rules, but cascading delays remain likely.
Volotea staff, represented by the UILT-UIL union, are staging a full-day strike from midnight to 11:59 pm. The airline, which flies to 24 airports in Italy, may face cancellations as pilots and cabin crew demand recognition of their company union and improved contract terms. Unions have also signalled protests at major airports, adding pressure to an already strained schedule.
easyJet cabin crew, represented by the USB Lavoro Privato union, will walk out for four hours between 1 pm and 5 pm, citing concerns about working conditions and lack of protections. The airline operates a large network in Italy, including a major hub at Milan Malpensa and connections to cities such as Rome, Naples, Venice and Milan.
Public transport in Rome will also run on a limited schedule as USB Lavoro Privato and Orsa Tpl have called two strike periods: from 8:30 am to 5 pm and again from 8 pm until the end of service. Authorities have confirmed guaranteed windows of uninterrupted service before 8:30 am and between 5 pm and 7:59 pm.
Italian aviation rules require certain flights to operate between 7 am and 10 am and again from 6 pm to 9 pm, but delays during these windows may still occur due to the broader impact of industrial actions. Travellers are encouraged to check with airlines, monitor airport updates and stay prepared for last-minute schedule changes.
As Italy navigates a day of widespread transport disruption, passengers moving through major airports and urban transit systems are likely to experience slower operations and potential crowding. Travellers have been advised to arrive early, keep confirmations handy and follow airline or operator advisories throughout the day.
The strike comes alongside separate actions by staff from budget airlines easyJet and Volotea, raising the likelihood of widespread cancellations and extended waiting times for travellers flying in or out of Italy today.
With overlapping strikes by air traffic controllers, pilots, cabin crew and Rome’s public transport workers, travellers have been advised to prepare for schedule changes, reconfirm flights and expect service gaps throughout the day. Some flights will operate due to mandatory minimum-service rules, but cascading delays remain likely.
Volotea staff, represented by the UILT-UIL union, are staging a full-day strike from midnight to 11:59 pm. The airline, which flies to 24 airports in Italy, may face cancellations as pilots and cabin crew demand recognition of their company union and improved contract terms. Unions have also signalled protests at major airports, adding pressure to an already strained schedule.
easyJet cabin crew, represented by the USB Lavoro Privato union, will walk out for four hours between 1 pm and 5 pm, citing concerns about working conditions and lack of protections. The airline operates a large network in Italy, including a major hub at Milan Malpensa and connections to cities such as Rome, Naples, Venice and Milan.
Public transport in Rome will also run on a limited schedule as USB Lavoro Privato and Orsa Tpl have called two strike periods: from 8:30 am to 5 pm and again from 8 pm until the end of service. Authorities have confirmed guaranteed windows of uninterrupted service before 8:30 am and between 5 pm and 7:59 pm.
Italian aviation rules require certain flights to operate between 7 am and 10 am and again from 6 pm to 9 pm, but delays during these windows may still occur due to the broader impact of industrial actions. Travellers are encouraged to check with airlines, monitor airport updates and stay prepared for last-minute schedule changes.
As Italy navigates a day of widespread transport disruption, passengers moving through major airports and urban transit systems are likely to experience slower operations and potential crowding. Travellers have been advised to arrive early, keep confirmations handy and follow airline or operator advisories throughout the day.
Next Story