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Italy National Air Strike: February 16, 2026 | Travel Advisory

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Major air transport (airline)

A significant 24-hour national air transport strike is scheduled to disrupt travel across Italy on Monday, February 16, 2026. This coordinated industrial action involves major airlines, ground handlers, and airport services, coinciding with high traffic volumes ahead of Milan Fashion Week.

✈️ Affected Airlines & Airports

ITA Airways: Nationwide 24-hour strike (00:01–24:00) by multiple unions (FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL, UILT-UIL, etc.).

Vueling: 24-hour strike by cabin crews (Filt Cgil and ANPAC).

Milan Airports: Severe ground operation delays at Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) due to strikes by Airport Handling and ALHA cargo staff.

National Impact: Ground handling strikes are expected at most major Italian hubs, including Rome Fiumicino, Venice, and Naples.

🕒 What to Expect

Massive Cancellations: Expect a high volume of cancellations for domestic and European flights.

Ground Disruptions: Check-in, baggage handling, and security services will be significantly understaffed.

Peak Disruption: In addition to the 24-hour strike, an extra concentration of protests is expected between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

✅ Guaranteed Flight Windows

Under Italian ENAC regulations, certain flights must operate during protected time slots:

  • Morning Window: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Evening Window: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Protected Routes: Flights to Italian islands (Sicily, Sardinia) and specific long-haul international flights are usually maintained. Always verify the official ENAC guaranteed list 48 hours before departure.

Based on the strike proclamations and airline hubs, here are the shorlist of airports affected by the February 16, 2026, industrial action:

  • Milan Malpensa (MXP) – Primary site of the ALHA and ground handling strikes.
  • Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – Main hub for ITA Airways and national flight crews.
  • Milan Linate (LIN) – Key airport for domestic ITA Airways routes and local ground handling protests.
  • Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – Major regional hub affected by airline and ground handling walkouts.
  • Naples International (NAP) – Southern hub for ITA Airways and Vueling operations.
  • Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) – Likely diversion point, also affected by national ground handling strikes.
  • Verona Villafranca (VRN) – Affected by localized air traffic control and handling protests.

This alert was originally created on 25 December 2025.

Public Impact

✈️ Airport

Effective Dates

Updates

Feb 16, 2026
Following a ministerial ordinance (precettazione) tied to the Milano–Cortina Olympics, unions have deferred the 24‑hour national air transport strike initially set for February 16 to February 26, 2026. The postponement covers the 24‑hour action by Filt‑CGIL, Fit‑CISL, Uiltrasporti (UILT‑UIL), UGL T.A., ANPAC and ANP; base unions indicated they will comply/relocate actions under the order.
Feb 6, 2026
EasyJet pilots and cabin crew 24-hour national strike on Feb 16 (plus 4-hour USB action). Major unions called a 24-hour national strike at EasyJet in Italy on February 16, 2026 (00:01–24:00). USB Lavoro Privato also proclaimed a parallel 4-hour national strike (13:00–17:00) for EasyJet flying staff.
Feb 4, 2026
For February 16, CUB Trasporti has proclaimed a 24-hour national strike across the air and airport-handling sector (including companies associated with Assohandlers). In addition, USB Lavoro Privato has filed a separate 4-hour national strike (13:00–17:00) for Vueling flight crew. These actions join previously announced 24-hour stoppages affecting ITA Airways and Vueling and 24-hour handling strikes at ALHA and Airport Handling in Milan, increasing the risk of cancellations and delays at Italian airports.
Feb 2, 2026
RSA FILT-CGIL and ANPAC call a 24-hour national strike for Vueling cabin crew in Italy on Feb 16.
Jan 30, 2026
Alongside the 24-hour national walkout already announced by other unions, USB Lavoro Privato has proclaimed an additional 4-hour strike of ITA Airways ground and flight staff on Feb 16, from 13:00 to 17:00.
Jan 16, 2026
Airport Handling (Linate & Malpensa): 24-hour strike on Feb 16. CUB Trasporti calls a 24-hour national strike at Airport Handling covering Milan Linate and Malpensa on Feb 16.
Jan 16, 2026
ALHA (MXP): CUB Trasporti proclaims a 24-hour strike at ALHA (Malpensa) on Feb 16, potentially affecting ground operations.
Jan 15, 2026
USB Lavoro Privato has called a separate 4-hour strike of ITA Airways ground and flight staff on Feb 16, alongside the already-announced 24-hour action by other unions.
Jan 13, 2026
Vueling staff in Italy will hold a 24-hour national strike, potentially impacting flights across Italian airports.

Organizers

Affected Locations

  • Italy (national)

Sources

AI AI-Assisted Content: This alert was gathered by StrikeTracker AI Agents. Sources are included on this page. Learn more about our AI.