Brit holidaymakers heading to Italy have been warned to brace for major disruption as a nationwide transport strike threatens chaos across the country.
The 24-hour walkout is expected to hit rail services, airports, metro systems, buses and regional transport networks from 9pm on Thursday (28 May) until 9pm on Friday (29 May).
Several unions have confirmed industrial action involving major rail operators including Trenitalia, Trenord and Italo, sparking fears of cancellations and delays on some of Italy’s busiest routes.
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Long-distance rail services connecting major cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Bologna and Naples are expected to be among the worst affected outside protected operating periods, as reported by Need To Know.
Italy’s Ministry of Transport has published lists of “guaranteed” services that must continue operating during protected commuter windows between 6am and 9am, and again between 6pm and 9pm.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority, ENAC, confirmed flights are legally protected during guaranteed operating periods between 7am and 10am and 6pm and 9pm.
The aviation authority has urged passengers to contact airlines directly for the latest updates regarding individual flights.
Travel experts have also warned the strike could trigger wider disruption across European airline networks due to aircraft scheduling changes and increased rebooking demand.
Major travel hubs including Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport and Naples International Airport are expected to face delays, congestion and possible schedule changes during the strike.
Airport transfers, metro systems, buses and regional rail services may also run at reduced capacity or face temporary suspensions depending on local participation levels.
Tourists visiting major attractions including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Venice’s canals and Florence’s historic centre could also experience delays due to disruption on local transport networks.
Travel experts are advising passengers to closely monitor airline notifications and rail updates as schedules may change rapidly throughout the strike period.
easyJet said it currently plans to operate flights as normal but warned customers to allow extra time when travelling through airports.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: “We would like to reassure customers that we are doing all we can to minimise any disruption caused by national industrial action in Italy tomorrow.
“We are currently planning on operating our schedule as planned but would advise customers travelling to allow additional time to make their way to and through the airport.
“Should any flights be impacted, we will contact customers directly with their options to help rearrange their plans.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Italy remains one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, with millions of UK travellers visiting every year during the spring and summer seasons.
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