Published on
November 29, 2025
Italy is bracing for significant disruptions in air and rail travel on Friday, 28 November 2025, as nationwide transport strikes are set to paralyze the country’s public and private sectors. Travelers in Italy are advised to anticipate cancellations, delays, and extended wait times due to transportation staff strikes involving train operators, bus drivers, airport personnel, and airline workers. With an expected 24-hour national strike scheduled to begin at 9:00 pm on Thursday, 27 November, lasting until 9:00 pm on Friday, 28 November, travelers face the possibility of substantial disruptions to their travel plans.
Strikes Across the Transport Sector: A National Concern
Unions representing workers from various sectors have come together to stage the industrial action. Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord, three of Italy’s largest rail companies, will be part of the strike, alongside bus operators, airport ground staff, and airline employees. The coordinated strike comes as part of broader labor disputes, with demands for better working conditions and fairer treatment of transport workers across the country.
This transportation strike is not an isolated incident. It follows a series of similar strikes earlier this year, which have already disrupted Italy’s transport networks and significantly impacted tourism. As Italy is one of Europe’s most visited countries, these strikes are expected to affect both domestic travelers and international tourists, particularly during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Guaranteed Services Amid Disruptions
Despite the widespread industrial action, Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport have emphasized that certain services will still operate in accordance with Italian regulations. These minimum services are designed to reduce the disruption and maintain public transport access during the strike. According to ENAC, rail services are expected to run as scheduled between 6:00 am and 9:00 am and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, 28 November. Similarly, flights departing from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm will operate as planned.
However, outside these times, passengers can expect interruptions and delays. Airports across Italy, including major hubs like Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo, have all advised travelers to prepare for cancellations and delays throughout the day. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has recommended that travelers stay updated on the status of their flights or trains and check in advance for changes to their bookings.
ITA Airways Cancels 26 Flights
ITA Airways, the national carrier of Italy, confirmed that 26 domestic flights would be cancelled due to the nationwide transport strike. This decision affects both inbound and outbound flights to and from major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. Passengers booked on these flights are being notified directly by the airline, and are being offered rebooking options. The airline has also made arrangements for refunds or alternative flights for passengers whose travel plans are disrupted by the strike.
Airports Brace for Impact
Airports across Italy are bracing for the worst travel disruption in years. ENAC, Italy’s national civil aviation authority, has issued a statement urging travelers to arrive early and to be prepared for possible delays, as the strike will likely impact security checks, boarding procedures, and baggage handling. Additionally, international connections could be delayed or rerouted due to the knock-on effects of these domestic disruptions.
According to airport authorities at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, longer waiting times are anticipated, as staff shortages are expected to cause delays in processing passengers. The disruption is also expected to ripple outwards, affecting connections from European hubs to destinations in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Impact on International and Domestic Passengers
For domestic travelers, the strikes are causing serious inconvenience and uncertainty, particularly for commuters and people with important business or family obligations. Tourists, on the other hand, face challenges in adjusting to the rapidly changing situation. As many international travelers rely on air travel for onward connections, delays and cancellations may lead to missed connecting flights, with some facing multiple hours of waiting at airports.
According to ENAC and airport officials, travelers on intercontinental flights, as well as those transiting through Italian airports, should check the status of their connections frequently. Intercontinental connections are expected to remain largely unaffected, but delays in transit to other European destinations are still possible.
What Travelers Need to Know: Key Advice and Tips
If you’re traveling to or from Italy on 28 November 2025, it’s crucial to plan ahead to minimize the effects of the ongoing strike:
Stay Updated: Always check your flight or train status on your airline or rail operator’s website or app for real-time updates.Expect Delays: Be ready for longer waits at airports and train stations. If your flight or train is canceled, ask about rebooking or refunds.Arrive Early: Arriving early gives you more flexibility in case of unexpected delays.Prepare for Alternate Travel: If necessary, look into alternative routes or modes of transportation, such as buses or trains running during the strike’s off-hours.
By staying proactive and informed, you can reduce stress and manage the uncertainty surrounding your travel plans.
A Call for Stronger Action: The Ongoing Impact on Travel in Europe
This strike is a reminder that transportation disruptions are increasingly common across Europe, and especially within Italy. The frequency of strikes in the country over the last few months highlights the fragility of travel systems. Workers’ rights and labor conditions continue to play a pivotal role in the functioning of the global travel network. With Italy’s key economic sectors such as tourism and business travel depending heavily on air and rail, these strikes are likely to have a ripple effect beyond the immediate disruptions.
With the holiday season approaching, tourists and business travelers alike will need to consider flexibility and backup plans when traveling in Italy or other European destinations during this challenging period.
