Italy Transport Strikes 2026: Flight and Rail Disruptions Threaten February-March Travel
Rome, Italy — Travellers heading to Italy this month should brace for significant disruption as a series of transport strikes threatens to affect both air and rail travel—potentially putting plans on hold for tens of thousands of people through February and early March. Although some walkouts initially scheduled for mid-February have been postponed, the overall outlook remains chaotic for those planning to fly or take trains across the country in coming weeks.
Air Strike Postponed—But Concerns Remain
Italy’s nationwide air transport strike, which had been slated to cause widespread disruption on February 16, including hundreds of flight cancellations and delays at major airports such as Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, and Verona Valerio Catullo, was halted at the request of the government to protect mobility during the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini intervened to block the walkout, arguing that transport links must remain open while the Olympics—an event drawing international delegations and fans—is underway. The action was expected to impact between 25,000 and 27,000 passengers nationwide, had it gone ahead, affecting not just flights but also the smooth movement of visitors to Italy’s famous ski resorts and Olympic venues.
Despite the postponement, concern has not eased. Unions representing pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, and air traffic control employees had planned coordinated walkouts on key dates, including later in March, to press for improvements in collective contracts and working conditions. These labour disputes have broader implications for travellers because any delayed or cancelled flights could ripple outward, affecting connections, holiday plans, and business itineraries for passengers across Europe and beyond.
Rail Strikes Still on the Calendar
While the air strike plans have been put on hold to avoid interfering with the Olympics, the threat of railway strikes later in the month remains.
Staff from Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane—the state rail operator—are scheduled for a 24-hour nationwide strike beginning on February 27 and ending on February 28, with services likely to be severely affected across high-speed, regional, and suburban routes.
The rail strike notice means that people travelling between major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice, or relying on trains for transfers between airports and stations, should expect:
Cancellations of scheduled services
Reduced services on most routes
Major delays across the network
Overcrowding on remaining trains
Missed connections requiring rebooking
These stoppages extend to regional operators such as Trenord, which could affect local commuter lines and important airport links—making even getting to and from airports more difficult.
Earlier in the month, separate regional train strikes have already caused disruption around key transport hubs, including Lombardy’s Malpensa Express services that link Milan to the airport. Those walkouts left passengers stranded or forced to seek alternative transport on short notice, demonstrating how quickly a strike can disrupt travel plans.
Why the Industrial Action Matters
Italy’s travel networks are vital not only to residents but also to a huge influx of tourists and international business travellers—the country is one of Europe’s most visited destinations. Strikes in aviation and rail sectors are usually organised by trade unions over issues such as:
Pay increases and wage negotiations
Working conditions and shift schedules
Contract renewals and job security
Staffing levels and workload concerns
Though workers have the right to protest, the timing of these walkouts often coincides with peak travel periods, sharply increasing the impact on public mobility.
The situation this February has added pressure because it comes during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games—an event that draws global attention and tight travel schedules. The government’s temporary ban on airport strikes during this period reflects concern that major transport disruptions could:
Hurt Italy’s international image as a host nation
Inconvenience visitors with tight schedules
Disrupt official delegations and media coverage
Create logistical chaos at Olympic venues
What Travellers Should Do
If you’re planning to visit Italy in the coming days or weeks, experts recommend several steps to minimise the impact of these industrial actions:
For air travel:
Check your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport
Sign up for alerts from airlines and airports
Arrive early even if flights appear on schedule
Know your rights regarding compensation for cancelled flights under EU regulations
Consider travel insurance that covers strike-related disruptions
For rail travel:
Monitor rail operator websites for updates from Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord
Check guaranteed service windows—even during strikes, some trains must operate
Avoid tight connections between trains or between trains and flights
Consider alternatives such as buses or private transfers if strikes are announced
Book flexible tickets where possible
General advice:
Leave extra buffer time for all connections
Keep important documents and essentials in carry-on luggage
Have backup plans for accommodation if stranded
Stay informed through local news and official strike calendars published by the Italian transport ministry
Looking Ahead: March and Beyond
Strikes are a recurring feature of Italy’s labour landscape, and transport walkouts can show up throughout the year. Rail and airport workers organise periodic action to push for better employment conditions, and although the immediate need to accommodate the Winter Games has led to postponements, this doesn’t mean the underlying issues have disappeared.
That means travellers should stay alert and prepared for further disruptions in March and beyond—particularly during busy travel seasons. Key dates to watch:
Late February rail strike (February 27-28)
Potential March actions if negotiations fail
Spring holiday periods when strike impact multiplies
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible
Italy remains a magnificent destination—its art, cuisine, and landscapes undiminished by labour disputes. But getting there and moving around requires extra vigilance during strike seasons.
The biggest strikes were pushed aside to protect travel during a major global event, but Italy’s transport unions and their members remain engaged in broader disputes that are likely to affect both domestic and international passengers as winter gives way to spring.
Check before you travel. Allow extra time. Know your options.
And remember: in Italy, even chaos has its own rhythm. A little preparation goes a long way.
