Italy air transport to experience strike on September 26

24-hour strike to paralyze air transport in Italy on September 26

Sunday, 14 Sep, 2025 0

With the legally strike summer ban from late July to early September now over, Italy is back into industrial actions in the transportation sector. This week end experienced strikes by handling staff in Milan Linate and Malpensa as well as staff on Intercity Trenitalia trains in Calabria.

However, Italy is bracing for widespread air-travel disruption on September 26, 2025. Unions representing airline and airport workers plan effectively a 24-hour strike over pay and staffing disputes.

The walkout, called by the transport union CUB Trasporti, is expected to affect baggage handlers, ground crews, and security staff at airports across the country. Particular pressure is on Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports, where handling teams will stop work for four hours.

Low-cost carrier Volotea’s staff will join the action. The move will affect domestic and short-haul European routes. Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport in Sardinia also plan to strike for the full day. Authorities already warn of long lines at check-in counters and baggage drop-offs as staffing levels drop.

Italian law requires “guaranteed flights” to operate during certain protected time windows. This concerns early in the morning and late in the evening flights. However, airlines are already advising passengers to expect schedule changes and to check their flight status frequently. Travelers connecting through Italy or departing from affected airports should allow extra time.

In another development, ground handling staff at Menzies (formerly Groundforce) are launching industrial action in Portugal. The movement spans September 3, 2025 to January 2, 2026.