by InTrieste
Travelers flying in and out of several major Italian airports on Wednesday are being warned to brace for possible delays and cancellations as multiple unions stage coordinated strikes in the air travel sector.
The 24-hour walkout, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, will affect airport ground staff in Milan, Florence, and Pisa, disrupting operations at Malpensa and Linate in Milan as well as Pisa and Florence airports.
Organized by several trade unions, the strikes will involve check-in staff, baggage handlers, boarding operators, and cleaners, potentially creating a ripple effect across Italy’s busy autumn travel network.
Airline Strikes Add to Disruptions
The unrest extends beyond the airports themselves. Several airlines will also be hit by shorter, sector-specific walkouts that could intensify travel chaos.
Vueling, the Spanish low-cost carrier, will see its Italy-based pilots and cabin crew strike nationwide from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., while ground staff employed by KLM and Air France are expected to walk off the job from noon until 4 p.m.
Though these airline strikes are shorter in duration than the airport shutdowns, they are expected to compound delays and cancellations across the country’s airspace.
Travelers Advised to Check Flights Early
Passengers scheduled to travel through any of the affected airports—or with the airlines participating in the strikes—are strongly encouraged to verify their flight status with their airline and arrive at the airport early.
Italy has seen a series of transport-related protests this year, as unions demand better pay and working conditions amid rising costs of living.
For official and regularly updated information on public transport strikes across Italy, visit the Transport Ministry website.
