Travellers heading to Italy next month are being warned to expect widespread disruption as airport and air‑traffic control staff prepare for coordinated strikes that could halt flights for hours.
Italian media reported that May 11 is expected to be a “black day” for air transport, with multiple unions staging localised protests across major airports. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, walkouts are planned among airport service and security workers in Cagliari, ENAV air‑traffic controllers in Rome and Naples, ADR Security staff at Rome Fiumicino, and handling crews in Palermo.
The industrial action will coincide with an eight‑hour national strike by EasyJet pilots and cabin crew, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., raising the likelihood of significant delays and last‑minute cancellations.
Travel management firm Cisalpina Tours said ENAV staff at Rome’s area control centre will also strike during the same period, warning of “delays and cancellations” across the sector.
Travel specialist Kate Donnelly said the Rome and Naples air‑traffic control stoppages are expected to have the biggest impact, urging passengers to monitor airline alerts closely.
Further disruption is expected May 29, when a nationwide strike affecting public services — including rail and road transport — is set to begin, with train delays likely from the evening of May 28.
Under EU and UK regulations, passengers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to a refund or rebooking, though compensation is not available when delays stem from “extraordinary circumstances” such as strikes by airport or air‑traffic control staff.
