Italy Grapples with Widespread Aviation Strike on February 16, Hundreds of Flights Disrupted

Nationwide Aviation Strike Grips Italy

Italy faced significant travel disruption on Monday, February 16, 2026, as a nationwide aviation strike led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and left an estimated 25,000 to 27,000 passengers stranded across the country. The 24-hour industrial action, which commenced at 00:01 and concluded at 24:00 local time, impacted operations at key Italian airports during a busy period for international events.

Scope of Disruption Across Major Airports and Airlines

The strike involved various aviation personnel, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground handlers, affecting major carriers such as ITA Airways, easyJet, and Vueling. Airports most severely impacted included Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, Naples, Bologna, and Verona. Rome Fiumicino, Italy's largest airport and a primary hub for ITA Airways, reportedly operated at only 30% capacity, with 70% of ITA's scheduled flights cancelled. Milan Malpensa and Linate experienced near-total shutdowns for ITA and Vueling operations due to simultaneous airline and ground handling strikes.

Government Intervention and Union Response

In the days leading up to the planned strike, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, intervened, issuing a 'precettazione' (compulsory-work order) to postpone the industrial action. The government's stated aim was to prevent travel paralysis during the ongoing Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which run from February 6-22, and the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games. Despite this intervention and an announced postponement to February 26, 2026, many unions proceeded with the strike on its original date, leading to the reported widespread cancellations and delays.

Context and Future Outlook

The timing of the strike coincided with several high-profile events, including the Winter Olympics, the eve of Milan Fashion Week 2026, and the peak Venice Carnival weekend, exacerbating the impact on travelers. The industrial action stems from unions' demands for contract renewal and improved working conditions, particularly for staff at ITA Airways, easyJet, and Vueling. While significant disruption occurred on February 16, a rescheduled nationwide airport strike is now set for February 26, 2026. Additionally, a separate strike involving ENAV air traffic controllers, originally planned for March 7, is also likely to be rescheduled.