Nationwide aviation strikes in Italy that were expected to disrupt hundreds of flights on 16 February have been suspended, averting potential large-scale travel disruption during the ongoing Winter Olympics season.
The industrial action, which included a planned 24-hour walkout by staff of ITA Airways as well as participation from pilots, cabin crew and ground staff across multiple airlines, has been blocked by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. He stated that mobility must be guaranteed during an event of “global importance,” referring to the Winter Olympics and the upcoming Paralympics.
The strikes, which were also scheduled to take place on 7 March involving staff from ENAV, Italy’s national air traffic control services provider, have been temporarily halted. Revised dates are yet to be formally announced, although the Ministry of Transport is reportedly considering a window between 24 February and 4 March, during the interval between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Had the 16 February strike proceeded, significant disruption would have been expected across major Italian airports, including Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo and Verona Valerio Catullo. ITA Airways alone had more than 300 flights scheduled for the day, with a majority falling outside the legally protected service windows of 7 am–10 am and 6 pm–9 pm. Tens of thousands of passengers could have been affected.
In addition to ITA Airways, unionised crew from Vueling and easyJet had also announced limited walkouts, while ground handling staff at Milan’s airports were expected to participate.
While the aviation strikes have been postponed, further disruption may still impact travellers later this month. A 24-hour strike by employees of Italy’s state railway operator, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, is scheduled to begin at 9 pm on 27 February and conclude at 8:59 pm on 28 February. Regional, high-speed Frecce and Intercity train services are likely to be affected.
Travellers heading to or within Italy during this period are advised to monitor official updates from airlines and rail operators and allow additional time for their journeys.
