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Italy Late July Industrial Actions: Rail, Venice Waterbus, Flights and Ferries

· 2 min read Travel News
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Contents

  1. 15 July - Rail Contractors
  2. 17 July - Venice Waterbus (ACTV)
  3. 21 July - National Air and EasyJet Cabin Crew
  4. 22–23 July - GNV Maritime Ferries
  5. Your Rights

Four separate industrial actions are scheduled across Italy’s transport network in the second half of July. Travellers with rail, ferry, air, or waterbus journeys in this window should check before they travel.

15 July - Rail Contractors

On 15 July, workers employed by rail maintenance contractors are scheduled to strike for 24 hours. This affects trackside and maintenance operations rather than train drivers directly, but signal and infrastructure support may be reduced. Trenitalia and Italo long-distance services typically run a reduced timetable on such days, while regional services see heavier cancellations. Italian transport strikes are governed by rules requiring a minimum service guarantee during peak hours (generally 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00), so early morning and evening trains tend to run, though delays are common.

17 July - Venice Waterbus (ACTV)

Venice waterbus workers at ACTV have called action on 17 July. Vaporetto and waterbus lines are Venice’s main public transit network, connecting the main islands and the lagoon settlements. On strike days, service is heavily reduced outside guaranteed windows, and tourist lines to Murano, Burano, and the Lido can see significant gaps. If you are arriving at Marco Polo Airport on 17 July, consider pre-booking a water taxi rather than relying on line services. See our guide to Venice for alternative connections.

21 July - National Air and EasyJet Cabin Crew

A national aviation sector strike is scheduled for 21 July, combined with a separate action by EasyJet cabin crew in Italy. Air traffic controllers and handlers are not on strike on this date, but flights operated by affected Italian-based carriers and EasyJet may be cancelled or delayed. EasyJet typically publishes a list of protected flights that will operate regardless - check their site closer to the date. Passengers departing from Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, or other major Italian airports on 21 July should monitor their booking closely. EU Regulation EC 261/2004 applies if your flight is cancelled or delayed over three hours.

22–23 July - GNV Maritime Ferries

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) maritime ferry workers are striking on 22 and 23 July. GNV operates routes connecting Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, and ports in Sardinia and Tunisia. Bookings on overnight or day crossings during this 48-hour window may be significantly disrupted. If you hold a GNV booking for these dates, contact them to understand your options.

Your Rights

For air travel disrupted by these actions, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 provides for rebooking, refunds, and in some cases compensation. See our flight delay rights guide and our Italy transport strikes overview for what to do if your journey is affected.