Flying To Italy This Week? Here’s What The ITA Airways Strike Means For Travelers

Inside Italy’s 24-Hour Aviation Shutdown

Italy will see a 24-hour nationwide aviation strike on February 26, lasting from 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. local time.

The strike involves:

• Ground handling crews

• Check-in staff

• Airline employees

• Some cabin crew at select carriers

In practical terms, this means cancellations and delays for flights departing from or arriving in Italy.

Major hubs expected to feel the impact include:

• Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport

• Milan Malpensa Airport

• Venice Marco Polo Airport

If your trip touches any of these airports, you should prepare for possible changes.

Is This Just Italy Or Will It Affect The U.S.?

The strike itself is happening in Italy.

However, because international flight networks are tightly connected, cancellations in Italy can disrupt travelers in:

• New York

• Boston

• Miami

• London

• Paris

• Berlin

For example, if a Rome to New York flight is canceled, American travelers are affected immediately. If a Milan to London flight is canceled, travelers in the U.K. are impacted.

Airlines such as easyJet and Vueling also operate extensive routes to and from Italy. If Italian-based crews or ground staff are unavailable, flights involving Italy may be pulled from schedules. So while the strike is Italian, the impact extends internationally.

Are Any Flights Protected?

Italy requires airlines to operate a minimum level of service during strikes. There are two legally protected flight windows:

• 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Flights scheduled during those timeframes are more likely to operate. Long-haul intercontinental flights, including many U.S. to Italy nonstop routes, are often prioritized. But this does not guarantee smooth travel.

Even if your flight from New York or Miami lands as planned:

• Baggage delivery may be delayed

• Customer service lines may be long

• Connecting domestic flights may be canceled

If you booked a tight connection onward to Florence, Naples, or Venice, that is where problems can arise.

A Rail Strike Adds Another Layer

Beginning at 9:00 p.m. on February 27, a rail strike is expected to impact operators such as Trenitalia and Italo.

This is especially important for travelers who planned to rely on Italy’s high-speed rail network for onward connections, including:

• Rome arrival followed by a high-speed train to Florence

• Milan arrival with rail onward to Venice

• A train as backup if flights are disrupted

During a nationwide strike, those rail segments may also face delays, reduced service, or cancellations, meaning trains are not necessarily a guaranteed workaround.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Unions cite disputes over wages, staffing shortages, and working conditions for the cause of the strike.

A previous strike date was postponed during the Winter Olympics, but negotiations remain unresolved. Another aviation strike is scheduled for March 7, which could create further disruption if talks do not progress.

How Americans Can Protect Their Trip

If you are traveling February 26 through February 28:

✔ Check your airline directly


✔ Avoid tight connections


✔ Consider rebooking proactively


✔ Monitor rail updates carefully


✔ Keep cruise departures or event timing flexible

This is not a Europe-wide airport shutdown. But it is a significant national strike in one of Europe’s largest travel gateways.

If you are flying on ITA Airways or connecting through Italy, you should expect possible changes to your itinerary.

Most transatlantic flights are likely to operate. The greater risk lies in connections, ground services, and onward domestic travel. With flexibility and proactive planning, most trips can still move forward. The key is knowing that “operating” does not always mean “operating smoothly.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Here’s What The ITA Airways Strike Really Means For Americans

Will my nonstop flight from the U.S. to Italy be canceled?

Not necessarily. Many long-haul intercontinental flights are prioritized during strike windows. However, you should still check directly with your airline.

What are guaranteed service windows in Italy?

Italian law requires airlines to operate a minimum number of flights during two daily windows: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Flights during those times are more likely to operate but may still face delays.

If my flight operates, could I still experience problems?

Yes. Even operating flights may face baggage delays, long customer service lines, or missed connections due to reduced ground staffing.

Are other European countries going on strike?

No. The strike is happening in Italy. However, flights between Italy and other European countries may be canceled, which can affect travelers in those countries.

Should I change my travel dates?

If you have tight connections, cruise departures, or important event timing, it may be wise to consider adjusting travel plans. Many airlines offer flexible rebooking during strike periods.

Will trains in Italy also be affected?

Yes. A separate rail strike beginning February 27 may impact operators like Trenitalia and Italo, potentially disrupting onward travel within Italy.