A nationwide general strike called by unions CSLE and FI-SI is affecting transport across Italy on 2 October 2026. This is a multi-sector walkout covering both public and private workers — and while it is the kind of action that mostly passes without drama for tourists, there are specific rail windows and flight risks that anyone travelling in Italy today needs to know about.
What Is Happening
The CSLE and FI-SI unions have called a general strike across all public and private sectors on Friday 2 October. Italy’s rail network has guaranteed service protections, which means Trenitalia and Trenord are shielded from total shutdown — but trains can and do stop outside those protected hours.
The confirmed railway disruption window is 11:00 to 14:00 (11am–2pm). During those three hours, regional and intercity trains operated by Trenitalia and Trenord may be cancelled or delayed across the country, with the heaviest expected impact on Lombardy services.
Malpensa Express Disrupted
Travellers flying into or out of Milan should pay particular attention to the Malpensa Express. Trenord has confirmed that the direct rail link between Milan city centre and Malpensa Airport will not run normally during the strike window. Replacement buses have been announced, but these take significantly longer than the express train and are subject to road traffic.
If you are catching a flight from Malpensa, allow at least 30 extra minutes and check the Trenord website for the latest replacement-bus schedule before leaving. Malpensa is one of Italy’s busiest international airports — taxi and rideshare alternatives exist but costs can run high at short notice.
Flights at Risk
Airline ground staff and some airport workers are covered by today’s national strike action, which means flight disruptions are possible at airports across Italy. The main flight-specific action this month is concentrated around 16 October (a separate ENAV and handler strike), but today’s general walkout creates some level of gate-level risk across the network.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, EU261/2004 passenger rights apply for all departures from Italian airports. Keep your booking confirmation and contact your airline directly — do not rely solely on airport departure boards.
What to Do
- Trains: Book services that depart before 11am or after 2pm where possible; if you must travel during the window, add time for delays.
- Malpensa: Use the Trenord replacement bus or arrange a private transfer; build in at least 30 extra minutes.
- Other airports: Check your airline’s flight-status page before heading out.
For more on moving between cities and airports, our guides to getting around Italy and flights to Italy cover the key routes and options in detail.