Thousands of Travelers Affected Across Italy as 72 Flights Canceled Due to Nationwide Strike Action, Causing Severe Disruptions at Major Airports including Malpensa, Naples, Marco Polo, Linate, Bologna, and More

Published on September 26, 2025

Thousands of travelers in Italy are experiencing major disruptions. Seventy-two flights have been canceled, and many others are delayed because of a nationwide strike. The strike, organized by labor unions over ongoing issues with salary increases and working conditions, has created chaos at major airports like Malpensa, Naples, Marco Polo, Linate, and Bologna. This walkout affects airline staff, baggage handlers, and other essential workers. As a result, many passengers are left stranded, with significant delays and cancellations still disrupting travel across the country.

Italy’s transport network has been significantly impacted due to a nationwide strike that has led to 72 flight cancellations and severe delays at key airports across the country. Travelers from both domestic and international routes have found their plans severely disrupted by walkouts organized by labor unions representing various categories of airline and airport personnel.

The strike, which began on Friday, September 26th, is the result of ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions for airline and airport workers. Negotiations between unions and authorities have stalled, and as a result, unions such as CUB Trasporti and USB have called for a 24-hour walkout, affecting airports and airlines nationwide. The labor unrest has not only impacted airlines and airport authorities but also caused inconvenience to thousands of passengers, many of whom have been stranded or faced extended delays.

The Causes Behind the Strike

The strike action, organized by prominent labor unions including CUB Trasporti and USB, is primarily centered around unresolved issues related to salary increases and working conditions for employees within the airline and airport sectors. Negotiations between unions and the relevant authorities have stalled, leading to the walkout being called for Friday, September 26th.

The unions have expressed frustration with what they perceive as inadequate pay and unsatisfactory working conditions for workers at all levels, including baggage handlers, security personnel, and ground crew. These workers, who are integral to the smooth operation of airports and airlines, have voiced concerns over long working hours, insufficient rest periods, and low wages, leading them to demand better compensation and improved conditions.

While the strikes are set to last for 24 hours, the ripple effects have already caused widespread chaos in Italy’s air travel system. The timing of the strike, coinciding with the start of the weekend, has exacerbated the situation, as many travelers have found themselves stranded or unable to reschedule flights on short notice.

Affected Airlines and Airports

The ripple effects of the strike have reverberated through multiple airports across Italy, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays. The major airports impacted by the strike include Milan’s Malpensa, Naples, Venice Marco Polo, Linate, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, and Florence Amerigo Vespucci airports, which are all facing operational bottlenecks as a result of the disruption.

Malpensa Airport: A Major Hub in Crisis

Malpensa Airport, one of Italy’s busiest international gateways, has been severely affected by the strike. The airport has reported a total of 48 delays and 37 cancellations today, with a majority of the affected flights operated by easyJet and Ryanair. Both airlines, known for their low-cost fares and extensive European networks, have been particularly hit by the labor unrest, with a large percentage of their flights facing delays or cancellations.

Ryanair, which operates a large network of budget flights across Europe, has seen 17% of its scheduled flights canceled and another 2% delayed. Similarly, easyJet has faced disruptions with 6% of its flights canceled and 24% delayed. These disruptions have caused considerable inconvenience for passengers attempting to make connections or reach their destinations on time.

Other international carriers such as Lufthansa Cityline, CityJet, and Helvetic have also been impacted by the strike, with several of their scheduled flights canceled at the last minute. Passengers on these flights have been advised to check directly with their airlines for updates and rebooking options.

Naples and Marco Polo Airports Struggling to Cope

Naples and Marco Polo airports have also reported significant disruptions as a result of the strike action. Naples, located in the southern part of Italy, has seen four delays and three cancellations today. EasyJet has been particularly affected, with two of its flights canceled and one delayed, while Ryanair and Delta Air Lines have also experienced disruptions to their schedules.

Similarly, at Marco Polo Airport in Venice, a total of five flights have been either canceled or delayed. EasyJet, Air France, and Air Baltic have been especially affected by the labor dispute, with multiple cancellations impacting both domestic and international routes.

Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) Airport: A Growing Travel Challenge Amid Nationwide Strike

Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) Airport, located in the heart of Tuscany, is not exempt from the disruptions caused by the nationwide strike. Travelers flying in and out of Florence today have faced major inconveniences, with six flights canceled and two delayed. Airlines such as Vueling Airlines, Air France, and KLM have reported significant operational setbacks as a result of the strike, impacting both domestic and international routes.

The strike’s ripple effect has been felt across Florence’s relatively smaller airport, where the delays and cancellations, though fewer in number than at larger airports, still caused frustration for passengers. Vueling Airlines, which operates several regional and international flights from the airport, had two of its flights canceled and one delayed, while other carriers like Air France and KLM experienced delays of their own. The scale of the disruptions in Florence, while less severe than at other airports like Malpensa or Linate, still illustrates the widespread impact of the industrial action, with travelers finding themselves stranded or delayed due to the strike over pay and working conditions.

Linate and Bologna Airports Facing Heavy Disruptions

Linate Airport, located in Milan, has not been spared from the effects of the nationwide strike. With a total of 11 cancellations today, the airport has seen a significant reduction in operations. Lufthansa Cityline, Lufthansa, and British Airways have all been affected, with some flights grounded due to the ongoing walkouts.

Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport is also feeling the brunt of the disruption, with 10 cancellations reported. Ryanair and Helvetic, in particular, have experienced significant setbacks, causing further inconvenience for travelers in this central Italian city. Bologna, a key gateway for both domestic and international travel, has seen operations grind to a halt as the strike continues to wreak havoc on flight schedules.

The Impact on Airlines

Airlines across Europe, including Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, Swiss, and KLM, are facing the greatest impacts from the strike. While some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, have reported fewer cancellations, they are still experiencing delays that are causing ripple effects on international routes.

The situation at airports such as Malpensa, Linate, and Bologna highlights how interconnected European air travel has become. Many of these airlines operate not only on domestic routes but also serve numerous international destinations, meaning that delays at one airport can have significant consequences across the entire continent.

For travelers, this has meant a confusing and frustrating experience, with airlines struggling to keep passengers updated about the status of their flights. Some passengers have reported long queues at check-in counters and confusion over flight cancellations and rebooking procedures.

The Effects of the Strike on Passengers

The direct impact of the strike on passengers has been significant. Many travelers have found themselves stranded at airports, unsure of when their flights will depart or if their scheduled flights will even take off at all. With so many cancellations happening across major hubs, passengers have had to deal with confusion, frustration, and in some cases, extended delays.

Travelers have been advised to check their flight status regularly, as the disruptions may continue throughout the day and into the weekend. Airlines have issued notices urging passengers to arrive at airports with plenty of time to spare, as long wait times for check-in and security screening are expected due to the reduced staffing levels during the strike.

The Impact on Ground Transportation

In addition to the airline disruptions, ground transportation at airports has also been affected. Milan’s airports have reported that taxi and shuttle services are running with limited availability, further complicating the situation for travelers trying to reach their hotels or other destinations within the city.

Baggage handling operations have also been impacted, with significant delays reported at several airports. The strike action includes workers employed by Assohandlers, the company responsible for baggage handling, meaning that travelers could face long waits to retrieve their luggage.

How Travelers Can Navigate the Disruptions

For those whose flights are affected by the strike, there are a few steps they can take to minimize the impact on their travel plans:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Passengers should stay in close contact with their airlines to get the most up-to-date information about flight cancellations and delays.
2. Plan for Longer Wait Times: Given the expected delays, travelers should plan for longer wait times at check-in, security, and baggage claim areas.
3. Consider Alternative Routes: In some cases, passengers may be able to rebook onto other flights or alternate routes to avoid further disruptions.
4. Keep an Eye on Ground Transportation: Those needing to use ground transportation should be aware that delays are likely for taxis and shuttle services, especially in the Milan area.
5. Prepare for Cancellations: If a flight is canceled, it is important to know that airlines are working to rebook passengers, but with limited staffing, this may take some time.

The nationwide strike in Italy has caused widespread disruption across major airports, leading to 72 flights being canceled and significant delays affecting thousands of passengers. The strike, centered on unresolved labor disputes over pay and working conditions, has impacted numerous airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Air France, and Lufthansa, and has caused severe disruptions at major airports such as Malpensa, Naples, Marco Polo, Linate, Bologna, and Florence.

Thousands of travelers across Italy are facing major disruptions as 72 flights are canceled due to a nationwide strike over unresolved pay and working conditions, affecting key airports like Malpensa, Naples, Marco Polo, Linate, and Bologna. The walkout by airline and airport staff has led to significant delays and cancellations.

While travelers are advised to stay informed and check their flight status regularly, the effects of the strike are likely to be felt for some time. The situation serves as a reminder of the fragility of air travel and the ripple effects that industrial action can have on both airlines and the passengers they serve. Passengers should exercise patience as they navigate the disruptions, and if possible, consider flexible travel options in the coming days to avoid further setbacks.