Italy: Airport strikes set to disrupt summer travel on July 26

Rome: Thousands of travellers risk disruption to their summer plans as airport workers across Italy are set to stage a four-hour national strike on July 26, potentially causing numerous flight delays and cancellations.

The strike will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and involves baggage handlers, ground staff, and other airport personnel, Caliber.Az reports via European media.

The industrial action demands improved safety standards, better working conditions, enhanced work-life balance, and the renewal of national contracts. Key Italian airports affected include Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples, and Venice. At Milan Linate, Swissport gate services and check-in staff will also participate.

Earlier this month, strikes in Italy led to the cancellation of 73 flights in a single day, impacting flights at major hubs such as Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, and Naples.

Strike actions are not limited to Italy. In Spain, Volotea’s crew and pilots are set to strike on the same weekend, potentially disrupting routes across Europe, as the airline serves over 100 cities. Meanwhile, Portuguese workers at Menzies Aviation (formerly Groundforce) plan strikes over several weekends from July 26 through September 1, with Lisbon Airport expected to be especially affected.

To prepare, travellers should regularly check official sources such as the Italian Ministry of Transport’s website and confirm flight statuses directly with airlines and airports. Arriving early and avoiding peak travel hours on strike days can reduce complications.

Italian law mandates minimum service levels during strikes, meaning some flights—especially those scheduled between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.—are likely to operate as normal. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) also provides lists of guaranteed flights, and services to certain islands like Sardinia, Sicily, and Lampedusa are often exempt from strikes.

Passengers affected by cancellations or delays due to airline staff strikes, such as the upcoming Volotea strike, may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Darina Kovacheva, head of Legal at SkyRefund, explained that compensation can range from €286.9 to €453.2, depending on flight distance.