Italy Airport Worker Strike on July 26: What European Summer Travelers Must Know
As Europe enters the height of summer holiday travel, Italy’s airport workers are preparing for a nationwide strike on July 26, which is set to disrupt thousands of flights and impact travelers across the continent. Ground staff, baggage handlers, and support personnel at major airports including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples, and Venice will walk out from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time, raising significant concerns for those traveling to or transiting through Italy.
Why Are Italian Airport Workers Striking?
This four-hour industrial action is part of broader discontent over working conditions, including demands for renewed national contracts, enhanced safety protocols, and better work-life balance. Supported by multiple trade unions, the strike underscores long-standing issues in Italy’s aviation sector.
According to Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, workers are pressing for reforms following previous labor disruptions in early July, which led to 73 flight cancellations in a single day and impacted airports like Milan Linate, Naples, and Venice Marco Polo.
Major Airports Expected to Be Affected
The following Italian airports are anticipated to face the most serious disruptions:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP)
- Milan Linate (LIN)
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
- Florence Airport (FLR)
- Naples International Airport (NAP)
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Staff from Swissport, a global ground services company, will also be participating, especially at Milan Linate, likely affecting check-in, gate services, and baggage handling.
International Ripple Effects: Spain, Portugal, and Beyond
Italy’s strike is part of a growing wave of European aviation unrest this summer:
- In Spain, Volotea pilots and crew have scheduled coordinated strikes for the same weekend. Volotea operates across over 100 European destinations, meaning route disruptions could stretch beyond Spain and Italy.
- In Portugal, Menzies Aviation workers at Lisbon Airport are planning weekend strikes through September 1, placing more pressure on southern European air traffic during the peak season.
- Air Canada also faced ground staff walkouts earlier this year, resulting in domestic and transatlantic travel delays—a reflection of a broader global trend in aviation labor protests.
Government Measures and Protected Flights
Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has mandated minimum service guarantees to ensure essential travel continues. Flights operating between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. are typically safeguarded.
Additionally, routes deemed essential, such as those serving island destinations (Sardinia, Sicily, Lampedusa), are exempt from cancellation. ENAC has published a list of these protected flights on its official website.
What Travelers Should Do
To navigate the turbulence, travelers are encouraged to take proactive steps:
- Monitor flight status via official airline websites or apps for real-time updates.
- Check the ENAC website for a list of guaranteed flights.
- Arrive at the airport early, especially if traveling during the strike hours.
- Avoid peak flight times if flexible.
- Rebook or adjust itineraries as soon as cancellations are announced to secure alternative options.
Airlines such as ITA Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet have already warned of likely schedule changes and delays.
Know Your Passenger Rights: EU Compensation Rules
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by more than three hours may be eligible for compensation:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
However, if the airline can prove that the delay or cancellation was caused by an “extraordinary circumstance” beyond its control, compensation may not be granted. Whether strikes fall under this clause can vary case-by-case.
Travelers are advised to submit claims directly to the airline and keep documentation of any incurred costs.
Broader Context: Labor Unrest in the Aviation Sector
The Italian strike is not isolated. Across Europe and beyond, workers in the aviation and hospitality industries are demanding higher pay, better schedules, and long-term job security. High passenger volumes, coupled with post-pandemic staffing shortages, have intensified the pressure.
According to Eurocontrol, Europe’s air traffic is now near or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in many areas, placing strain on both infrastructure and personnel. Unions argue that while profits have recovered, worker conditions have not kept pace.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Stay Alert
If you’re traveling to or through Italy, Spain, or Portugal during late July or August 2025, preparation is key. While Italian law ensures some continuity in air traffic during strikes, delays and last-minute cancellations remain possible.
Travelers should:
- Opt for travel insurance that covers strike-related delays
- Keep backup accommodation and transit plans
- Stay informed through official channels such as ENAC, airport websites, and airline alerts
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a high-pressure season for travel, with labor actions highlighting the fragile balance between workforce demands and passenger expectations. Smart planning and awareness of your rights can make the difference between a disrupted trip and a smooth journey.
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