Multiple overlapping strikes on 16 October 2026 are set to disrupt air travel across Italy. Passengers flying in or out of Italian airports that day — particularly those routing through Milan or Venice — should check their flight status now and understand their options.
What Is Happening
Three separate industrial actions are converging on 16 October:
easyJet Italy cabin crew and ground staff have called a 24-hour strike, affecting all easyJet Italy-operated flights departing or arriving at Italian airports throughout the day. Flights operated by other easyJet entities (UK, Swiss, etc.) calling into Italy may also see disruption if Italian-based staff are rostered.
ENAV (Ente Nazionale per l’Assistenza al Volo), Italy’s national air traffic control provider, has announced a four-hour work stoppage running from 13:00 to 17:00. ENAV stoppages affect the entire Italian airspace network and typically cause knock-on delays well beyond the stoppage window — expect afternoon and evening services to run late even on non-striking carriers.
Venice Marco Polo Airport security and handling staff have called a separate 24-hour strike. Passengers transiting through or departing from Venice should plan for significant disruption regardless of which airline they are flying with.
What to Do Now
Check your airline’s app or website for cancellation or rescheduling notices. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must offer affected passengers a choice of a full refund or re-routing on the next available service. If your flight is cancelled and the airline cannot rebook you within a reasonable time, you may also be entitled to meals and accommodation while you wait.
Read our Italy flight delay rights guide for the full breakdown of what you can claim and how to document it.
If your plans are flexible, shifting your travel date by one or two days before or after 16 October is the simplest way to avoid the disruption entirely.
Strikes Can Change
Italian aviation strikes are occasionally called off or scaled back following last-minute negotiations. Monitor your airline’s communications in the days before travel. ENAV and airport authority websites publish updates on confirmed action.
Italy’s Strike Calendar
Industrial action in Italy’s aviation and transport sectors is a recurring feature of travel planning. Our Italy transport strikes guide explains how to monitor upcoming strike dates, which routes tend to be most affected, and the practical steps to take when a strike is announced.