Holiday Travel Chaos in Italy As 46 Flights Canceled and 48 Delayed at Rome and Naples Airports Amid Strikes, Disrupting Major Airlines Including Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss and More

Published on December 17, 2025

Holiday travel chaos has gripped Italy as 46 flights were canceled and 48 delayed at Rome and Naples airports, causing widespread disruption for passengers. The delays and cancellations are the result of ongoing strikes affecting major airlines such as Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss, creating major headaches for travelers during the busy holiday season. With both domestic and international flights impacted, passengers are facing significant uncertainty and delays at two of Italy’s busiest airports.

Italy’s major airports are currently experiencing unprecedented disruptions, with travelers facing significant delays and cancellations just days before the Christmas holidays. Today, a series of strikes and walkouts by airport ground personnel, airline staff, and air traffic controllers have resulted in 46 flights being canceled and 48 others delayed at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International (Fiumicino) and Naples International (Capodichino) airports. The situation has left thousands of passengers stranded, with major airlines such as Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss facing severe operational strain.

The Impact of Strikes on Italian Airports

The strikes are being led by unions representing airport workers, including ground handling staff, check-in personnel, and air traffic controllers. These protests are in response to ongoing labor disputes, including contract negotiations and working conditions. The timing of the strike could not be worse, as it coincides with the peak travel season for both domestic and international travelers, creating havoc for those trying to reach their holiday destinations.

Travelers flying out of Rome and Naples have faced extended delays, long queues, and uncertainty regarding their flight statuses, adding stress to an already busy holiday travel period. Airlines have been working to minimize the impact, but the walkouts have heavily disrupted flight schedules.

Airlines Affected by the Strikes

The following airlines have been significantly affected by the strikes at Rome and Naples airports:

1. Air France: Affected by both cancellations and delays, Air France has had several flights delayed or grounded entirely.
2. Emirates: The Dubai-based airline is facing delays, which has impacted travelers trying to connect to destinations in the Middle East and beyond.
3. ITA Airways: As Italy’s national carrier, ITA Airways has been one of the worst-hit by cancellations, leading to a large number of passengers stranded.
4. Lufthansa: Germany’s flagship airline has seen significant delays as its operations at Rome and Naples airports were severely disrupted by the walkouts.
5. Swiss: The Swiss carrier also faced cancellations and delays, particularly on international routes departing from both airports.

Flight Cancellations and Delays at Fiumicino and Naples Airports

Here’s a breakdown of the key cancellations and delays at Rome and Naples airports today:

Fiumicino International Airport (Rome)

Fiumicino Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, has been hit particularly hard, with a high number of cancellations and delays across various airlines. The following table outlines the affected airlines and their canceled flights from Rome today:

Naples International Airport (Capodichino)

Naples, another key airport for travelers flying in and out of Italy, has also been significantly affected by the strikes, particularly on routes serviced by low-cost carriers and major European airlines. Here are the details of the cancellations:

Flight Delays at Fiumicino and Naples Airports

In addition to the cancellations, many flights have been delayed for several hours. The following table summarizes some of the notable delays today:

Reasons Behind the Cancellations and Delays

The ongoing strike is primarily due to disputes between the workers and the airport authorities regarding pay, working hours, and labor conditions. These disputes have caused the walkouts to disrupt regular operations, leading to staffing shortages across the airports.

As a result, the airport ground handling operations, check-in counters, and baggage handling have all been severely affected. This has resulted in delays for departing flights, as aircraft could not be serviced in time, and cancellations due to lack of crew availability and operational disruptions.

What You Can Do as a Traveler

For those flying out of Rome or Naples today, here are some practical tips to minimize the impact of the strikes:

1. Check Your Flight Status Regularly: Make sure to frequently check with your airline for updates on your flight status, especially as cancellations and delays are subject to change throughout the day.
2. Arrive Early: Given the disruptions, it is highly advisable to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow for any extended check-in or security delays. Expect long queues due to the strike.
3. Stay Informed: Follow social media accounts of your airline and the airports for live updates regarding flight operations and the status of the ongoing strikes.
4. Prepare for Long Waits: Passengers may face delays of several hours. Ensure you have entertainment, snacks, and any necessary medications on hand while waiting.
5. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding compensation for canceled or delayed flights. In the EU, passengers are often entitled to compensation if their flights are canceled or delayed by more than three hours due to issues such as strikes.
6. Consider Alternative Flights or Routes: If you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider booking a flight out of a different airport or on a different date to avoid the strike-related chaos.

How Airlines Are Handling the Situation

Airlines, including Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss, have been working closely with airport authorities to ensure that they continue to operate as many flights as possible. They are also offering affected passengers rebooking options or providing accommodations in some cases.

However, these measures can only go so far, given the scale of the disruption. Passengers are advised to contact their airline’s customer service for assistance with rebooking or changes to their travel plans.

Italy’s airports are currently facing a turbulent day, with both Rome’s Fiumicino and Naples’ Capodichino airports seeing significant flight disruptions due to ongoing strikes by airport and airline staff. With 46 flights canceled and 48 delayed, travelers flying with airlines like Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss are urged to check their flight statuses regularly, prepare for longer waits, and familiarize themselves with their passenger rights.

Holiday travel chaos has hit Italy, with 46 flights canceled and 48 delayed at Rome and Naples airports due to strikes. Major airlines like Air France, Emirates, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss are all significantly impacted, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.

As the strikes continue into the holiday period, it’s important for travelers to stay informed and remain flexible in case their flights are further delayed or canceled. While the situation is frustrating for those affected, knowing what to do and how to navigate the chaos can help minimize the stress of travel disruptions this festive season.