ROME, Italy — The height of the European summer getaway could be jolted next week when thousands of aviation workers across Italy walk off the job for part of the afternoon. The coordinated industrial action, scheduled for July 26, is expected to touch virtually every corner of Italy’s air-travel network and may ripple out to airports far beyond Rome and Milan.
What’s happening on July 26
On that Wednesday, ground staff represented by several unions say they will halt work for four hours, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time. The walkout will include baggage handlers, ramp agents, and some security personnel at “dozens of airports,” according to union notices reviewed by Jetsetter Guide. Employees of the Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea—an airline that links roughly 100 European cities—plan to join the strike during the same time window. Swissport contract workers, who manage check-in counters and boarding gates at Milan Linate, also intend to go on strike. Although each labor group has its own demands, unions have pointed to pay, scheduling, and the renewal of collective bargaining agreements as shared flashpoints. For travelers, the result could be a rash of delayed departures, missed connections, and last-minute cancellations—especially at airports that serve as transfer hubs for northern Europe.
Airports are likely to feel the greatest pinch
Italy’s busiest gateways—Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Milan Linate—usually absorb the largest share of passenger volume and are therefore most vulnerable. Earlier walkouts this summer forced carriers to cancel flights from Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Naples, and Venice Marco Polo, disrupting itineraries as far away as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester. If July 26 follows a similar pattern, travelers with tickets on intra-European routes may bear the brunt of the impact, while long-haul flights could still feel the knock-on effects if crews or aircraft are left out of position.
Potential compensation under EU rules
European consumer protections can require airlines to compensate passengers financially when delays or cancellations are within the airline’s control. Since Volotea’s participation is a company-specific action, affected passengers may be eligible for financial compensation. “Volotea passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled at short notice may be entitled to compensation of £250 to £520, depending on the flight distance,” Kovacheva said in a statement on behalf of the claims firm SkyRefund. Those thresholds come from EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets fixed payout amounts based on journey length:
- Up to £250 for flights of 1,500 kilometers or less
- Up to £350 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometers
- Up to £520 for flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers that are delayed more than four hours
The regulation does not apply automatically; passengers must submit a claim to the operating carrier and, in some cases, pursue arbitration or legal action if an airline disputes liability. Travelers should retain their boarding passes, booking confirmations, and written notices of delay to support any future claims.
How to minimize disruption
Tips for Travelers
- Monitor flight status. Airlines typically publish revised schedules 24 to 48 hours before a known strike window. Sign up for real-time alerts via the carrier’s mobile app.
- Build in buffer time. If you have a same-day connection in Italy—particularly through Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, or Venice—consider shifting the onward flight to the following morning or adding at least six hours between legs.
- Explore alternative airports. Regional hubs, such as Bologna, Bari, or Catania, may operate reduced services but could have shorter queues than the busiest gateways.
- Know your rebooking options. Most European airlines offer free date changes when industrial action is announced. Check whether you can reschedule your travel to July 25 or July 27 without incurring a penalty.
- Keep essentials in carry-on. With baggage handlers off the floor, checked bags may face longer wait times. Pack medications, chargers, and one change of clothes in your cabin luggage.
- Secure travel insurance. Policies that include “travel disruption” coverage may reimburse hotel stays if you become stranded.
Frequently asked questions
Will the strike cancel every flight in Italy?
Not likely. Airlines often rely on contingency staff or reschedule flights outside the strike hours. Still, travelers should prepare for cascading delays after 5 p.m. as crews and aircraft return to normal rotation.
Are flights that only pass over Italian airspace affected?
Overflights are not directly targeted; air traffic controllers are not part of the announced stoppage. However, if your flight lands for a connection in Italy, you are still at risk of disruption.
What about rail or highway alternatives?
Italy’s high-speed rail network offers competitive travel times on routes such as Milan–Rome or Venice–Florence. Renting a car is feasible for shorter leisure itineraries but may be impractical if you plan to cross international borders.
Does EU261 compensation apply to non-EU airlines?
Yes, if the flight departs from an EU airport. The regulation also covers flights into the EU when operated by an EU-based carrier.
Looking ahead
Labor tensions in Europe’s aviation sector intensified after the pandemic, as cost-conscious carriers pushed to recoup losses while workers faced inflation. Italian unions have warned that more actions could follow if contract talks stall. Travelers with August or September itineraries should therefore remain alert to additional announcements. The July 26 strike coincides with one of the busiest weeks on the Italian holiday calendar, when domestic travelers decamp for seaside resorts and foreign tourists flock to cities like Rome and Florence. That confluence heightens the stakes: even a four-hour stoppage can snarl operations for the rest of the day. For now, your best defense is information. Check your carrier’s website, enable flight alerts, and keep those boarding passes handy; you might need them later, either for compensation or simply to confirm you were scheduled to fly.
