by InTrieste
Travelers and commuters in Italy are preparing for major disruptions throughout November as unions across the transport sector plan a series of strikes expected to affect air travel, trains and local public transportation networks nationwide.
The walkouts, confirmed by the Italian transport ministry, will unfold across three successive Fridays, culminating in a general strike at month’s end that could bring much of the country’s travel infrastructure to a standstill.
Nov. 7: Local Transit Walkouts
The month begins with 24-hour strikes impacting local public transport in Milan, Latina and Palermo on Friday, Nov. 7. A separate four-hour action is scheduled in Messina. Service timetables will vary by city, and authorities are expected to publish detailed schedules closer to the date.
Nov. 14: Air Travel and Rome Transit Disruptions
Air travel will be significantly affected on Friday, Nov. 14, as air traffic controllers plan a nationwide four-hour walkout from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The strike coincides with a 24-hour stoppage by employees of Volotea, while easyJet personnel will protest between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Guaranteed flight windows remain in place in Italy, meaning flights scheduled between 7 a.m.–10 a.m.and 6 p.m.–9 p.m. must operate.
In Rome, public transportation workers will stage their own 24-hour strike the same day, impacting bus and subway lines. The customary strike windows in the capital — typically 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to the end of service — are expected to apply. Trams in the capital remain suspended for separate maintenance reasons until Dec. 8.
Nov. 28–29: National Action Targets Multiple Sectors
The most significant disruption will come at the end of the month, as the grassroots unions USB and CUB call a nationwide general strike on Friday, Nov. 29. The unions have cited opposition to the government’s 2026 budget bill, demands for higher wages and a push to lower the retirement age to 62. In a statement, organizers urged workers to “block everything” and join demonstrations.
Airports, railways, maritime services and local transit networks are likely to be affected, alongside schools, healthcare facilities and industrial workplaces.
Rail services face a 24-hour strike beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, extending until the same time on Friday, Nov. 28. Both regional and long-distance trains are expected to be disrupted, though essential weekday regional services between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. are guaranteed. The Trenitalia website includes a list of guaranteed trains and regional travel updates.
Air travelers may also encounter delays on Nov. 28 as ground staff strike at several airports, with Milan Malpensaexpected to experience notable disruption. Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, reminds passengers that flights between 7 a.m.–10 a.m. and 6 p.m.–9 p.m. remain protected during strikes.
Preparing for Travel
Authorities advise passengers and commuters to verify schedules in advance and monitor updates from transport operators. Official information on upcoming strikes is available through the transport ministry website, while ENAC and Trenitalia provide direct updates for air and rail travelers.
With rolling actions across multiple transport modes, November could prove challenging for those moving around Italy — whether for work, daily life or travel — underscoring the country’s long-running tensions between labor organizations and government policy.
