Saturday, July 26, 2025
Thousands of passengers are poised to be hit by travel chaos this summer, with Italian airport workers scheduling a four-hour walkout on July 26. Baggage handlers, ground staff, and other airport workers across the country will take part in the industrial action, so it is possible that flights could be delayed or even cancelled. The nationwide walkout, timed between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., is already causing concern for travelers who planned to use Italy’s key airports as a transfer point, or for that matter Milan Malpensa’s cross-town traffic: Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples, and Venice.
This strike is part of a wider push by Italian airport workers to deal with long-standing complaints, for improved safety measures and renewal of national contracts, more flexible work, and easier work-life balances. Doubts are already being raised, particularly among holidaymakers.
A Growing Trend of Strikes in Italy’s Aviation Sector
This strike in Italy is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern of labor unrest in the country’s aviation sector. Earlier in July, a similar strike caused the cancellation of 73 flights in just one day, significantly impacting major airports such as Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, and Naples. Travelers were left scrambling to find alternative flights, and many experienced significant delays, further exacerbating the summer travel chaos.
The Italian government has responded by ensuring that minimum service levels are maintained during strikes, which can offer some relief to those traveling at specific times. However, the strike has caused widespread concern, as travelers now face the prospect of additional delays, potential cancellations, and disruptions to their holiday plans. As a result, passengers are being urged to stay informed and plan accordingly.
Key Airports and Affected Areas
The main airports impacted by the upcoming strike include Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples, and Venice. These major transport hubs are expected to face significant disruptions as workers, including Swissport gate services and check-in staff at Milan Linate, join the protest. These employees are among those who have voiced their dissatisfaction with current working conditions and are seeking improvements.
Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, being two of the busiest international gateways into Italy, are expected to bear the brunt of the strike, with hundreds of flights potentially facing delays or cancellations. With international travel at an all-time high this summer, these disruptions will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across Europe, particularly for travelers connecting to flights across the continent.
Impact Beyond Italy: Spain, Portugal, and Other Airports
While Italy is facing a national strike, similar labor actions are taking place across Europe, compounding the travel disruptions. In Spain, crew and pilots of Volotea, a major low-cost airline serving over 100 cities, are set to strike on the same weekend, potentially affecting flights to and from multiple European destinations. As Volotea operates a significant number of routes, especially within Europe, this strike action could impact many travelers.
Moreover, workers at Menzies Aviation, a ground service provider at Lisbon Airport in Portugal, have also announced several planned strikes over the weekends between July 26 and September 1. These disruptions will likely affect many passengers traveling to and from Portugal, with Lisbon Airport being particularly impacted due to its status as the country’s busiest international airport.
Air Canada, too, has faced similar labor issues, with several of its unionized workers in Canada staging strikes earlier this year. These strikes caused widespread disruptions to both domestic and international flights, highlighting the growing trend of labor unrest within the global aviation industry. Passengers flying with Air Canada during the summer months should be vigilant about potential disruptions and regularly check their flight status for any changes.
Traveler Advice: How to Prepare for Strikes
For those planning to travel through Italy or other affected European airports, several precautionary steps can be taken to minimize the impact of these strikes on their travel plans.
First, it is crucial for travelers to regularly check official sources for updates, such as the Italian Ministry of Transport’s website and the respective airports’ official platforms. Airline websites and mobile apps also provide the latest information on flight statuses, cancellations, and delays. Passengers should keep an eye on any alerts and potential changes to flight schedules in real time.
Secondly, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early, especially during the hours of the strike (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), to give themselves enough time to deal with any unforeseen complications. Additionally, avoiding peak travel hours on the strike day could help reduce the chances of facing further delays.
Despite the disruption caused by the strike, Italian law mandates that minimum service levels are maintained during industrial actions. This ensures that some flights, particularly those scheduled between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., are likely to operate normally. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has published a list of guaranteed flights and services that will be exempt from strikes, particularly for routes to and from island destinations like Sardinia, Sicily, and Lampedusa.
Rights to Compensation: EU Regulation 261/2004
For passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled due to the strike, they may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that passengers are compensated for delays and cancellations, depending on the flight distance. Compensation amounts can range from €286.90 to €453.20, depending on the flight length.
This regulation applies not only to Italian strikes but also to similar disruptions caused by labor actions across Europe, such as the ongoing Volotea strike in Spain and the Menzies Aviation strikes in Portugal. Passengers who face major delays or cancellations are advised to check with their airline for compensation claims and ensure they are aware of their rights under EU law.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey
Given the likelihood of travel delays in Italy and other European vacation spots, it is extremely important that travelers keep track of the latest information and take preventative measures. By keeping up with official sources, setting out early, and knowing your traveler’s rights to compensation, passengers can reduce some of the potential concerns while strikes are on. As the summer traveling season reaches its peak this year, these labor conflicts bring home the point that travel requires advance planning.
