Travellers across Italy face the prospect of widespread transport disruption in September, as a series of planned strikes are set to take place across the country's aviation, rail, and local public transport networks.
The announced industrial action follows the conclusion of the franchigia estiva, a legally mandated period during the peak summer holiday season in which strikes in essential public services are suspended to protect tourism and travel.
Upcoming transport strikes in Italy
September 2025 is set to be a particularly challenging month for commuters and travellers in Italy. According to the official calendar published by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), more than 20 strikes have already been confirmed. The disruptions are expected to be widespread, impacting air travel, national and regional rail services, local public transport, and rail freight operations.
Air transport strike: which flights and airports are affected?
The aviation sector is braced for significant disruption, with a national strike scheduled for early September 2025 that promises to be a critical day for air travel. The industrial action is set to involve both ground services staff—including personnel for passenger assistance, check-in, and baggage handling—and flight crews. Staff from the airline EasyJet will hold a simultaneous 24-hour strike on the same day.
Further dates to note for potential walkouts in the aviation sector are 14th and 26th September. Passengers with flights scheduled on these dates are advised to monitor communications from their airlines for the most up-to-date information on their travel plans.
Confirmed dates for the air travel strike
According to the official calendar from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the following dates are confirmed for industrial action affecting the aviation sector in September 2025:
- 6th September: a national strike involving both airport ground staff and airline flight crews.
- A 24-hour walkout by EasyJet flight crew will affect flights to and from Catania.
- A 24-hour walkout by Swissport Italia staff at Milan Linate airport will affect flights to and from Catania.
- A further four-hour stoppage from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM involving wider transport staff.
- 14th September: 24-hour strike by airport handling staff at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports.
- 26th September: two national strikes
- A 24-hour strike for baggage handlers associated with Assaeroporti.
- A 24-hour strike was called by the union CUB Trasporti.
- A 24-hour strike for Volotea staff.
Italy train strikes: major rail services facing disruption
The Italian rail network is set to face major disruption early in the month, with a 21-hour national strike scheduled from 4th September until 5th September 2025.
The action has been called by several unions, including the Assemblea Nazionale PDM/PDB, and involves engine and onboard staff. Travellers should expect significant delays and cancellations across major national services, including Trenitalia's high-speed Frecciarossa trains and regional lines such as Trenord.
Key dates and affected regional lines
In addition to the national action, several regional strikes are planned throughout the month, targeting specific lines and staff groups:
- 4th-5th September: a 21-hour national strike will affect all major rail services from 9:00 PM on the 4th until 6:00 PM on the 5th.
- 5th September: an 8-hour strike by Trenitalia DOR staff in the Trentino-Alto Adige region is scheduled from 9:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- 15th September: Trenitalia Intercity and IC staff in the Calabria region will hold a strike from 9:01 AM to 5:00 PM, an action called by the UGL Ferrovieri union.
How to find information on train cancellations
For travellers seeking information on rail services during strike periods, Trenitalia provides several official channels for real-time updates. The national rail operator's website features a dedicated section, 'in caso di sciopero' (In case of strike), which details service alterations.
Local public transport strikes in Italian cities
Commuters and visitors in several Italian cities should prepare for disruptions to local public transport services, with specific dates confirmed for industrial action affecting buses, trams and metro networks.
Key dates and affected locations
- 4th September 2025: a four-hour strike from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm in Rome by local bus companies.
- 8th September 2025: a significant day of action is scheduled, involving the local public transport sector in Rome, Palermo and Catania.
- 15th September 2025: this 24-hour action will specifically affect the staff of several transport companies in La Spezia, the province of Pisa and the Umbria region.
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