Italy Travel Chaos: New Nationwide Strike and Fire Cause Flight Cancellations at Rome Ciampino and Major Airports

Published on February 5, 2025

For those journeying through Italy, the situation has quickly become a nightmare. A combination of nationwide strikes and an unexpected fire at Rome’s Ciampino Airport has led to severe travel disruptions, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.

With major flight cancellations and train delays, travelers—both domestic and international—are facing uncertainty about their routes, missed connections, and extended wait times. Italy’s reputation as a key European travel hub means these disruptions are affecting not just local passengers but also countless tourists and business travelers.

Flights Grounded as Italy’s Airports Struggle to Cope

Flight cancellations across Italy began as early as Tuesday in anticipation of a large-scale aviation workers’ strike scheduled for Wednesday. The situation worsened when a fire broke out at Ciampino Airport, forcing authorities to halt all air traffic at one of Rome’s busiest low-cost airline hubs.

Although the fire was swiftly extinguished and no major control tower equipment was damaged, the airport remained closed for a significant period, further delaying flights. Ryanair and other budget airlines operating from Ciampino were forced to ground or reroute flights, stranding travelers at airports.

The strikes also resulted in mass cancellations at major Italian airports, including:

• Milan Malpensa
• Rome Fiumicino
• Naples
• Catania
• Venice

As a result, thousands of passengers have been left struggling to rebook flights or find alternative transport.

Why Are Italian Aviation Workers on Strike?

The nationwide strike was initiated by Assohandlers, Italy’s largest aviation association, in protest of poor wages, working conditions, and a lack of benefits for ground staff. These workers play an essential role in airport operations, from baggage handling to aircraft maintenance and passenger services.

Similar strikes in other European countries, such as Belgium’s airport labor strikes in January, have caused significant disruption, demonstrating how crucial these workers are to the functioning of air travel.

The impact of the strike has been severe for travelers:

• Numerous flight cancellations and delays
• Longer waiting times for baggage claim
• Difficulties in securing alternative flights

Train Strikes Add to Travelers’ Woes

For those relying on Italy’s rail network, the situation is no better. A 23-hour regional train strike organized by the Orsa Ferrovie union has added another layer of chaos, particularly in Lombardy, affecting regional and airport train services.

Rail company Trenord has warned that the strike could impact suburban, regional, and long-distance train services, as well as airport connections. Travelers trying to reach or depart from Milan Malpensa Airport have been hit particularly hard, with shuttle trains unable to run.

To help mitigate the disruption, authorities have deployed shuttle buses between Milan Cadorna Station and Malpensa Airport. However, congestion on roads has made alternative transport equally challenging.

Passenger Compensation: What Are Travelers Entitled To?

Travelers affected by these cancellations and delays do have some legal protections under EU travel regulations, though securing compensation can take time.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

• Passengers must be offered either a refund or an alternative flight.
• If a flight is delayed for an extended period, passengers may be eligible for compensation covering food, accommodation, and transport costs.
• Refund claims can be made through the airline or travel agent, but processing can take months.

Train Delays and Cancellations

• If a train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, passengers can opt for a full refund.
• Those who choose to continue their journey despite delays may be eligible for partial compensation.
• Passengers can also reschedule travel for a later date without additional costs.

Travelers are encouraged to retain all receipts and travel documents to support their claims, as airlines and train operators require proof of expenses before processing refunds.

Global Impact: What This Means for International Travel

Italy serves as a major aviation and railway hub in Europe, meaning the ongoing crisis is affecting not just local travelers but also thousands of international passengers. Airlines that use Italian airports for layovers or connecting flights are now facing severe scheduling disruptions, leading to ripple effects across global air travel networks.

Additionally, business travelers and tourists with planned itineraries in Italy are having to rebook accommodations, change transportation methods, or cancel trips altogether. The Italian hospitality and tourism industries are likely to see financial losses as a result of these transport disruptions, particularly during peak travel seasons.

How Travelers Can Minimize the Impact

Those caught in the middle of the strike and flight cancellations can take several steps to reduce inconvenience:

1. Check Flight & Train Status Regularly – Use airline apps or railway websites for real-time updates.
2. Explore Alternative Transport – Consider rental cars, buses, or rescheduling travel plans.
3. Understand Passenger Rights – File claims early for refunds or compensation under EU laws.
4. Prepare for Delays – Have a backup plan for accommodation or extended wait times.

For now, Italy’s travel disruptions remain fluid, and further developments could arise. As travelers adjust their plans, airlines, train companies, and tourism operators will need to find long-term solutions to address the growing frequency of labor strikes affecting Europe’s travel industry.