Travellers in Italy should anticipate cancellations and delays on Friday, 28 November, as a result of a series of nationwide transport strikes affecting both public and private sectors.
Trade unions representing transportation staff – including bus drivers, train operators, airport personnel and airline workers – have announced a 24-hour national strike from 9:00pm on Thursday, 27 November until 9:00pm on Friday, 28 November.
Significant disruptions are likely nationwide, with railway employees from Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord participating in the industrial action.
Nonetheless, in accordance with Italian regulations, a minimum level of essential services will be maintained. Rail services scheduled between 6:00am and 9:00am, as well as between 6:00pm and 9:00pm on Friday, are expected to operate as normal.
Similarly, flights scheduled between 7:00am and 10:00am, and from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, are anticipated to proceed as planned.
Despite this, airports across Italy have advised travellers to expect delays and possible cancellations. ITA Airways has confirmed the cancellation of 26 domestic flights due to the labour action.
Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) said “all incoming intercontinental connections, including transits at domestic airports, as well as subsequent intercontinental departing flights" have been confirmed and has published a list of guaranteed flights.
The strikes come just weeks after a similar labour action by air traffic controllers that disrupted air travel earlier this month.