Italian Airport Staff Strike: What You Need To Know

Italian airport staff have gone on strike several times in recent years, with the most recent instance of industrial action taking place on 24 September 2024. Thousands of unionised flight and ground staff across Italy staged a 24-hour work stoppage to demand better working conditions and contractual improvements. The strike caused delays and cancellations across the country and affected carriers such as Air Dolomiti, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and ITA Airways. While some airports were more affected than others, passengers were generally advised to expect disruptions and check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.

What are the reasons for the strike?

Italian airport staff have gone on strike several times in recent years, with the most recent reported strike occurring on Friday, 29 September 2023. The industrial dispute was initially scheduled to be a 24-hour strike but was reduced to four hours after Italy's transport minister, Matteo Salvini, issued an injunction. The reasons for the strike included demands for greater job security and the renewal of a national collective labour contract that had expired six years ago.

Unions called for contracts with greater job security and wage increases amid soaring inflation. Staff shortages, long and stressful hours, poor working conditions, and pandemic-era pay cuts have also been reported as reasons for the strikes.

The strike on 29 September 2023 was called for by the Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, Uiltrasporti, and Ugl Trasporto Aereo trade unions. Thousands of unionized flight and ground staff affiliated with several airlines and airports planned to strike across Italy, demanding better working conditions, among other contractual improvements.

Affected carriers included Air Dolomiti, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and ITA Airways. All of these carriers experienced 24-hour strikes except for EasyJet, which had a shorter work stoppage. Additionally, baggage and ground operations personnel planned to strike at various airports across Italy for the entire day.

Previous strikes by Italian airport staff have also caused flight disruptions and cancellations. For example, on Friday, 8 September 2023, ground staff at Italian airports began a 24-hour walkout, causing delays and cancellations for passengers. Similarly, on Friday, 5 July 2024, a one-day nationwide strike affected several major airports in Italy, including Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, Milan Linate, and Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino.

Which airports are affected?

A number of Italian airports have been affected by strikes, including:

• Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
• Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
• Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
• Crotone Sant'Anna Airport, Calabria
• Lamezia Terme International, Calabria
• Reggio Calabria
• Florence
• Naples

The extent of the disruption caused by the strikes differed from airport to airport, with Rome's two airports largely unaffected, while dozens of cancellations were reported in Milan, Florence, and Naples.

It is important to note that the situation may change rapidly, and travellers are advised to check the status of their flights and airports before departing for the airport.

Which airlines are affected?

Airlines affected by Italian airport staff strikes include Ryanair, ITA Airways, Air Dolomiti, EasyJet, and Wizz Air.

On 8 September 2023, Ryanair and ITA Airways cancelled a small number of flights ahead of the strike. However, on the day of the strike, many more flights were cancelled at several Italian airports. Italy's national flag carrier, ITA Airways, cancelled at least 30 flights.

ITA Airways cancelled 24 internal flights scheduled for 5 July 2024, including services between Milan and Reggio Calabria, as well as Bologna and Rome.

On 24 September 2024, EasyJet was set for a 13:00-17:00 work stoppage.

While Jet2 flights from Birmingham and Manchester to Venice were not expected to be affected by the industrial action, delays during check-in and security clearance operations were likely.

What are passengers advised to do?

If you are a passenger due to fly to or from Italy, or within the country, it is important to be aware of the potential for strikes and the impact they could have on your journey. While strikes are a necessary tool for workers to negotiate better conditions, they can be disruptive for travellers. Here is some advice on what to do if you are flying when Italian airport staff are on strike:

• Check the status of your flight: Before you leave for the airport, check your flight status with your airline. Even if your flight is not cancelled, it may be delayed, so stay in contact with your airline and download their app if possible, as this may have the most up-to-date information.
• Be aware of your rights: If your flight is cancelled or delayed, you may be entitled to a refund or reimbursement, and the airline has a duty of care to provide you with food, drink, accommodation, and means of communication. Keep your receipts if you need to claim expenses back.
• Arrive at the airport early: If you are flying on a strike day, consider arriving at the airport earlier than usual to offset any delays during check-in and security clearance.
• Do not check out of your accommodation until your travel is confirmed: This is good practice on any travel day, but especially important on strike days when your flight may be delayed or cancelled.
• Check for alternative transport: If your flight is cancelled, your airline may be able to book you onto another flight, or with a rival airline. You may also be entitled to a refund so that you can book an alternative journey yourself.
• Check your travel insurance: A comprehensive travel insurance policy may cover any out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to flight cancellations or delays. Check the small print of your policy to see what you are covered for.
• Be aware of the strike timing: The Italian civil aviation authority, Enac, guarantees flight operations from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm on strike days. Try to book travel within these windows to minimise the risk of disruption.
• Be prepared for protests: If you are travelling on a strike day, there may be protests at the airport. These are usually peaceful, but they may cause further delays, and there will likely be an increased security presence.

What are the workers' demands?

Italian airport workers have been striking to demand better working conditions and contractual improvements. Unions have called for contracts with greater job security and wage increases amid soaring inflation. Specifically, they are demanding the renewal of a national collective labour contract that expired six years ago.

The industrial action has been affecting airports across Italy, with several airlines cancelling flights and disruption expected. Passengers have been bracing for delays and cancellations as ground staff at Italian airports began a 24-hour walkout, lasting from midnight to 11:59 pm. The duration and type of protests varied across the country, with some airports experiencing dozens of cancellations and others remaining largely unaffected.

The Italian civil aviation authority, Enac, guarantees flight operations from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm on strike days. However, travellers are advised to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport, as any onward connection could still be affected.

The airports affected by the strikes include Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, Crotone Sant'Anna Airport, Lamezia Terme International, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Reggio Calabria, and Venice Marco Polo. Italy's national flag carrier and other airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and ITA Airways have cancelled numerous flights due to the strike.

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