Passengers flying to, from, or within Italy may face delays and cancellations on Wednesday, February 5, due to a 24-hour strike by baggage handlers at airports, including Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate.
Nationwide Airport Strike
Baggage handlers at airports across Italy plan to participate in a 24-hour walkout on Wednesday. The strike was called by FLAI, one of Italy’s largest labor unions, in late December over wage disputes and contractual conditions.
In a statement issued in January, FLAI emphasized that workers are demanding a "reorganization of salaries and regulations, with rights and wages reflecting the rising cost of living." The union further stated, "We will continue the fight until concrete salary adjustments are implemented across all handling companies."
Airports Affected by the Strike
According to Italian media reports, the strike could lead to flight delays and/or cancellations at major airports, including:
- Milan Linate
- Milan Malpensa
- Rome Ciampino
- Rome Fiumicino
Additional disruptions may occur at airports in Bergamo, Verona, Bologna, Palermo, Catania, Reggio Calabria, Lamezia Terme, Crotone, Cuneo, Naples, Salerno, Venice, Cagliari, and Turin.
ITA Airways Flight Cancellations
Italian airline ITA Airways announced on Sunday that it was forced to cancel 25 scheduled flights for Wednesday and one for Tuesday. Among the 26 canceled services, four were international flights:
- AZ 226 Milan Linate – London City
- AZ 227 London City – Milan Linate
- AZ 408 Milan Linate – Frankfurt
- AZ 409 Frankfurt – Milan Linate
Further cancellations cannot be ruled out. ITA advised all passengers traveling on Wednesday to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Affected passengers can rebook their travel free of charge or, in case of cancellations or delays exceeding five hours, claim a full refund until Monday, February 10, by calling +39 06 85960020.
As of Monday morning, no other airlines had announced flight cancellations. If additional reports emerge, this article will be updated accordingly.
Guaranteed Flights During the Strike
Under Italian law, flights scheduled between 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM are protected from strike action and should operate normally, according to Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (Enac).
Additionally, individual airlines may guarantee the operation of some "essential" flights on Wednesday. Passengers are advised to check directly with their airline for details on any confirmed services.
What to Do If Your Flight is Canceled
If you are flying to, from, or within the EU, you are entitled to a refund or rebooking, and the airline must always offer you a choice.
If you are rebooked on a later flight and have to wait more than two hours, you are entitled to assistance such as food and drinks.
In cases of cancellations with short notice, you may also be eligible to claim compensation.
For the latest updates on the strike and potential disruptions, passengers should stay informed through their airline’s official communications.