24-Hour Air Strike Alert: Risk of Chaos at Italian Airports on October 29th

The stability of Italian air transport is at risk of disruption from a day of major inconvenience: a 24-hour national strike affecting the air and airport sector is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2025.

The work stoppage, which will last for the entire day, involves crucial personnel responsible for air traffic management and ground services, with a potentially significant impact on thousands of domestic and international flights.

Who is Striking and Why

The strike has been called by various trade unions and affects essential categories:

1. ENAV Personnel (National Air Traffic Service): Personnel managing air traffic control nationwide will strike for 24 hours. The participation of these workers is often the primary cause of widespread cancellations and delays across the entire Italian air network.

2. Swissport Italia Staff: Workers from this major airport handling company, particularly operating at Milan Linate Airport, will stop work for the entire day. Swissport manages fundamental services such as check-in, baggage handling, and ground assistance.

3. Local Strikes in Tuscany: Additional local strikes will affect the personnel of the Consulta company operating at Pisa and Florence airports.

The reasons behind these protests are often related to the renewal of national contracts, working conditions, and job security.

Expected Impact and Guarantee Slots

Despite the 24-hour strike, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) is required to guarantee certain essential services. Passengers must keep in mind two key time windows during which flights must be assured:

• Guarantee Slots: Flights are generally guaranteed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Outside of these times, the risk of experiencing cancellations or prolonged delays is high.

• Essential Flights: Intercontinental flights, those directed to the islands, and a list of "essential" flights—published on the ENAC website closer to the date—are always guaranteed.

Milan Linate Airport, due to the double impact of ENAV and Swissport striking, and the Tuscan airports, are likely to be the most affected in terms of ground services and operations.

Advice for Travelers

1. Check Flight Status: Immediately contact your airline to find out if your flight is among those canceled or guaranteed. Many airlines activate re-protection or refund procedures in advance.

2. Consult ENAC: Check the list of guaranteed flights published by ENAC.

3. Avoid the Strike Day: If possible, reschedule your trip to the day before or the day after the strike.

The October 29th event serves as a reminder of the operational fragility of the sector and the need for rapid coordination between institutions, companies, and unions to minimize the impact on citizens and the national economic system.