Nationwide Air and Rail Strike Planned in Italy from Thursday to Saturday
The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced that a strike will affect both air and rail transport from Thursday to Saturday next week, resulting in flight cancellations and train suspensions across the country.
The action, originally scheduled for February 16 during the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and postponed at the request of the Italian government, will now target airlines on February 26 and rail operators on February 27‑28. Local public‑transport services are also expected to be hit on February 27, the ministry said on its website on Monday.
Airline sector impact
ITA Airways has already set the tone by canceling more than half of its schedule. In a press release the carrier explained:
“Following the announcement of a 24‑hour strike in the Italian air‑transport sector planned for Thursday, ITA Airways was forced to cancel about 55 % of its flights scheduled for February 26, as well as some flights on February 25 and February 27.”
Employees of airlines, airports and related sectors throughout Italy will also join the walk‑out. Ground‑handling and flight crews of the main carriers operating on the peninsula—including ITA Airways, EasyJet, and Vueling—will strike for 24 hours, called by several unions (Filt‑Cgil, Fit‑Cisl, Uilt‑Uil, Ugl T.A, Anpac, Anp, and USB Lavoro Privato).
Rail sector impact
The rail‑worker strike is slated for Friday and Saturday. The disruption picture is further complicated by local strikes that could have a significant impact, especially in cities where public transport is already under strain.
Overall consequences
Combined flight cancellations and train delays are expected to affect:
- Connections between flights and trains
- Transfers to and from airports and railway stations
- Return journeys for travelers
- Business trips and professional mobility
Travelers are advised to monitor updates from airlines, rail operators, and local transit authorities, and to consider alternative routes or rescheduling where possible.
