Italy Braces for Major Travel Disruptions with National Strikes on 28 November and 12 December: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on November 27, 2025

Italy is bracing for significant travel disruptions as unions across the country have called for nationwide strikes in November and December 2025, potentially affecting thousands of travelers. With the busy holiday season approaching, these strikes are expected to impact a variety of transport services, including long-distance trains, local public transport, ferries, and possibly airports.

The largest union in Italy, CGIL, has organized a 24-hour general strike on 28 November 2025, followed by another major walkout on 12 December 2025, lasting 21 hours. These labor actions are primarily in protest against the government’s budget plans, which unions argue will cut vital funding for public services, including healthcare, education, and transport.

Travelers planning to visit or pass through Italy during this time should be prepared for potential delays and cancellations, especially with a heavy volume of holiday travel expected in December.

Overview of Upcoming Strikes and Their Impact

28 November 2025: 24-Hour National General Strike

• Impact: Nationwide walkout affecting long-distance trains, local public transport, ferries, and possibly airports.
• Services Affected: Reduced schedules or cancellations expected on railways, ferries, and air travel. Local transport in major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence may be significantly disrupted.

12 December 2025: 21-Hour General Strike

• Impact: Rail services across Italy are expected to face major delays or cancellations, particularly high-speed trains connecting major cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, and Florence.
• Services Affected: Reduced train schedules for intercity travel, potentially affecting connections to airports.

These strikes, organized by both public and private sector workers, are a direct response to the government’s proposed fiscal plan, which cuts funding for essential services. With rising living costs and understaffing in critical sectors like healthcare and education, unions argue that these budget cuts further exacerbate the situation.

What Travelers Should Expect

• Trains: Long-distance and regional trains will likely be affected, especially those connecting Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin. Travelers should check for updated timetables and guaranteed services closer to their travel date. Pre-booked tickets on affected services will be eligible for a refund or rebooking.
• Ferries: Ferry services may also be impacted, particularly between the mainland and islands like Sicily and Sardinia. The Tirrenia CIN and Moby ferry companies have called for a two-day strike from 9 December to 11 December.
• Airports: While airlines are not explicitly included in the strikes, airports could see delays if passengers miss train connections due to rail strikes. Additionally, there will be a 4-hour air traffic controller strike on 17 December, which could cause delays during peak travel hours.

Why Are Unions Striking?

Unions are protesting the government’s budget cuts to essential public services, which they argue will further strain already struggling sectors like healthcare, education, and public transport. Unions are demanding better pay and working conditions for public service workers and have voiced concerns over the increasing gap between living costs and wages.

• Unresolved Labour Contracts: Many national labor contracts have expired without resolution, adding further to the frustration among workers.
• Military Spending: Unions have also called for a reduction in military spending and more investment in vital public services.

What Does This Mean for Holiday Travelers in Italy?

With December being a particularly busy month for holiday travel, these strikes come at a challenging time. Even partial cancellations can lead to bottlenecks on key rail routes between cities and airports. Rail passengers should plan extra travel time and check train services for cancellations or delays in advance.

• Air Travel: Although air travel is not directly affected by the union’s actions, delays on ground transportation and rail connections to airports may complicate travel plans, especially for holiday travelers.
• Ferries: Services to Sardinia and Sicily may be disrupted during the ferry strikes in early December.

How to Prepare for the Strikes: Tips for Travelers

1. Stay Informed: Always check updated timetables for train services and ferry schedules in the days leading up to your trip.
2. Consider Alternative Transport: If train services are heavily disrupted, consider other modes of transport such as private transfers, taxis, or car rentals for more flexibility.
3. Book Flights Early: Although flights are not expected to be directly impacted, connecting services like airport shuttles or trains may face disruptions. It’s a good idea to arrive early at the airport and allow extra time for connections.
4. Plan for Crowds: With the holiday season in full swing, airports and train stations may be more crowded than usual, so expect longer wait times.

Conclusion: Navigating the Strikes in Italy

As Italy faces significant strikes in November and December 2025, travelers should be proactive in adjusting their plans to avoid disruptions. Checking schedules in advance, allowing extra time for transfers, and keeping up-to-date with strike-related announcements are crucial steps for ensuring a smoother travel experience.