A wave of strikes sweeps through Italy in late July
Air travel, rail, and local public transit are affected
Rome – Anyone planning a trip through Italy in the coming weeks should keep an eye on the strike calendar. A series of strikes is expected in the second half of July, affecting flights, trains, and local public transportation alike. For vacationers from German-speaking countries, this could mean that their arrival, departure, or day trips may be postponed at short notice.
Air travel is something to keep a close eye on. As early as the beginning of July, a nationwide strike affected several major airports, including Milan-Malpensa and Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Additional strikes have been announced for the rest of the month, which could last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the union and location.
Rail service is also expected to be affected by disruptions. Over the course of several days, rail workers will go on strike, which may result in train cancellations and delays on both long-distance and regional routes. In addition, work stoppages in freight transport will further disrupt operations.
In public transit, the protests are spread unevenly across different regions. Protests have been announced in Florence, Catania, Palermo, and Prato, among other places, as well as in parts of Apulia and the Latina area. Buses, trams, and subway lines may be temporarily suspended in those areas, resulting in longer wait times in the affected cities.
After all, so-called “guaranteed service periods” apply to many routes. During these designated time slots—usually in the morning and early evening—a minimum level of service must be maintained. Travelers are nevertheless advised to check the specific dates and times before setting out and to allow some extra time for important connections.
