by InTrieste
Rail workers will walk out on Sept. 7–8, airport staff and air traffic controllers are scheduled to strike later in the month, and a nationwide general strike on Sept. 26 could affect transport, schools and healthcare.
Travelers returning to Italy after the summer holidays are likely to face widespread disruptions in September as a series of strikes is expected to affect trains, flights and local public transportation across the country.
The first major stoppage is scheduled for Sept. 7–8, when drivers and onboard staff employed by Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper and Mercitalia Rail will take part in a 24-hour national strike. The walkout will begin at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, and continue until 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8.
Freight rail services are also expected to experience disruptions. Maintenance and infrastructure employees at Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) are due to strike regionally between Sept. 10 and 11, while workers at freight operator Captrain Italia have announced a separate national stoppage during the same period.
As required under Italian regulations, guaranteed passenger rail services will continue during weekday protected time slots from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Flights Face Delays Later in the Month
Air travel is also expected to be affected.
On Sept. 13, ground-handling personnel at the airports of Pisa and Florence, together with private security staff at Rome Fiumicino, Turin and Milan Malpensa, are scheduled to strike from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The most significant disruption is anticipated on Sept. 30, when employees of Italy’s air traffic control agency ENAV and maintenance company Techno Sky will stage a coordinated four-hour national strike. The action is expected to increase the risk of delays and flight cancellations at airports nationwide.
Local Transport and General Strike
Public transportation systems will also experience rolling strikes throughout September in several cities, including Genoa, Venice, Vicenza, Trento, Bergamo and Perugia. Sept. 15 is expected to be particularly disruptive, with planned walkouts affecting buses and trams in Florence, Prato, Ravenna, Naples, Venice and Pisa.
The month concludes with a 24-hour general strike on Saturday, Sept. 26, which could extend beyond transportation to include schools, healthcare services and other areas of the public sector.
Passenger Rights
Under European Union passenger protection rules, travelers whose train or flight is canceled because of strike action are entitled to either a full refund or rerouting on an alternative service at no additional cost.
Passengers are encouraged to consult transport operators in advance for updated schedules and lists of guaranteed services. Official information on strikes is available through the Italian Transport Ministry website .
