Travellers planning journeys to or through Italy and France this September 2025 should prepare for major turbulence. A wave of coordinated industrial actions—including airport staff walkouts, airline crew stoppages, and a critical air traffic control strike—threatens to derail many itineraries. Both countries are issuing advisories, and the situation could have serious repercussions for tourism.
Italy: Early-September Airport Disruptions Signal Travel Challenges
The travel upheaval begins in Italy on September 6, when easyJet cabin crews at Catania Fontanarossa and Swissport ground workers at Milan Linate are scheduled for a full-day strike. Simultaneously, staff at Pisa International and Florence airports will down tools for a four-hour interval amid mounting labor tensions affecting airport operations across the country.
In a related development, Wizz Air confirmed its Catania operations will be affected between 12:00 and 16:00 local time—though the airline is taking measures to limit passenger impact.
Italy’s turmoil continues later in the month. On September 26, multiple groups—including airport handlers at Milan Linate and Malpensa, Volotea airline staff, and security personnel at Cagliari Elmas—will partake in strikes lasting from four hours to an entire day. These actions will likely cause delays, cancellations, and longer wait times at affected airports.
Tourism hotspots—such as Rome, Milan, Pisa, and Florence—are poised to see a downturn in visitor traffic due to flight mismanagement and disruptions in air services. Overcrowding at terminals, stressed transfers, and sudden rerouting are expected to add strain to local ground transportation networks.
France: Air Traffic Controller Strike Could Rip Across European Skies
France’s aviation sector braces for its own crisis mid-September. From September 18 to 19, France’s biggest air traffic control union, representing around 60 percent of controllers, will stage a 24-hour walkout in protest against unresolved issues with the national aviation authority. With flight corridors crisscrossing French territory, disruptions will extend beyond France, impacting flights to, from, and over the country—drawing in UK, Spanish, Italian, and broader European routes.
Major French hubs—including Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, Orly, Lyon, and Marseille—are on high alert. Airlines anticipate flight delays, cancellations, and rerouting, while the aviation authority is expected to release detailed schedules two days before the strike begins.
Passengers are advised to monitor airline communications and mobile alerts closely. While EU rules may limit compensation in extraordinary strike circumstances, airlines are still bound to provide assistance such as meals or accommodation, depending on delay lengths. For travel connecting to critical events or international transfers, arriving at least one day early may prove the most prudent choice.
Coordinated Unrest Beyond Aviation: A Wider Transport Shake-Up
The September disruptions stretch beyond air travel. In Italy, September 4–5 will see a 21-hour rail strike impacting regional and long-distance trains operated by Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord. Rome alone will experience a localized four-hour halt of buses, trams, and subway services on September 4 from 08:30 to 12:30—jeopardizing mobility within the city’s popular sites. These intersecting strikes could make navigating urban areas and reaching airports especially challenging for tourists.
France, too, foresees wider unrest. On September 10, a citizen-backed “let’s block everything” movement—supported by several unions—could bring public and private sectors to a standstill. Transport professionals, from metro operators to airline staff, may participate, compounding delays and unpredictability.
What Travellers Can Do to Stay Ahead
- Track Flight Statuses: Activate airline apps and notifications for real-time updates.
- Plan Flexibly: Allow extra time in your itinerary. Arrive at airports early and stay alert for swap or refund options.
- Stay Connected: Expect airlines to share pivotal information close to strike dates. Watch for guidance on rebooking or alternate routes.
- Use Alternatives: In France, rail services like TGV or Eurostar might bypass airspace restrictions if co-operating operators reroute passengers.
- Prepare for Changing Ground Logistics: Train and metro services may falter. Carry essentials and anticipate the need for taxis or ride-shares.
- Understand Your Rights: In the EU, extraordinary circumstances like strikes limit compensation, but airlines still owe duty of care. Keep documentation if you incur additional expenses.
Tourism Outlook: Stay Alert to Avoid Disappointment
September 2025 will undoubtedly test the travel resilience of Italy and France—but being informed and proactive can help. The combination of airline crew walkouts, airport staff strikes, and control tower shutdowns has created a perfect storm of disruption.
Tourists heading to iconic destinations—from Rome’s ancient ruins to Paris’s streets—should prepare for a more complicated trip than usual. Whether rerouting via rail, adjusting arrival times, or staying updated through digital platforms, flexibility will be your biggest ally.
As travel professionals adjust and governments manage the fallout, well-prepared visitors can still enjoy rich cultural experiences—even amid temporary chaos. With extra vigilance and foresight, you can weather September’s turbulence and make your journey as seamless as possible.
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