Italy strike September 26 to impact air travel for 24 hours

Italy faces another nationwide strike. On Friday, 26 September 2025, unions representing airport and airline staff will hold a 24-hour strike to demand better pay and increased staffing.

Which airports in Italy will be affected?

The strike will impact ground handlers, baggage staff, and security workers across airports throughout Italy. Travelers should prepare for long queues at check-in and baggage drop.

• Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa: Significant disruption expected, with ground staff walking out for four hours during peak operations.
• Cagliari Elmas Airport (Sardinia): Security personnel will strike for the entire day.
• Volotea cabin crew: Joining the action, which will affect domestic and short-haul European flights.

Italian authorities have warned passengers to expect long waiting times and to check flight updates frequently. By law, so-called “guaranteed flights” must still operate, often in the early morning or late evening, but widespread disruption remains likely.

Am I entitled to compensation?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, strikes by airport or security staff are considered a third-party strike, which airlines usually classify as an extraordinary circumstance. In those cases, passengers are not entitled to financial compensation.

However, if your flight is cancelled due to airline staff joining the strike (such as cabin crew or airline ground staff), you may be entitled to compensation.

Regardless of the cause, passengers always have the right to:

• Rebooking on an alternative flight, or
• Refund of the ticket price if the flight is cancelled.

If you want to check whether your case qualifies for compensation, you can use the EUclaim calculator.