Italian Government Acts to Prevent Airport Strikes During Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Everything You Need to Know

To keep disruptions at an absolute minimum for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the Italian government has blocked two major strikes at two major airports in mid-February and early March. These newly set transport rules for the Olympics are supposed to keep the most at-risk airports in the most at-risk areas operational. The Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to have 2 billion viewers, and the government is determined to guarantee smooth airport operations during this time to ensure government services are maintained and flights are not disrupted.
Air Traffic Union Strikes
The two industry strikes, called by two divisions across two disciplines, are in response to unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreements. The strikes were initiated by unions representing aviation staff who have voted to strike over poor pay and working conditions. Unions have voted to strike due to stagnant negotiations that have yet to produce concrete wage offers. The National Strike Commission suggested that these strikes be held between February 24 and March 4, but the unions rejected the suggestion, insisting that negotiations had not yielded any meaningful results.
Government’s Response to the Threat of Strikes
In response to the impending strike threat, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed that the government would issue an emergency injunction to prevent the strikes from happening. The injunction will go into effect before the strike and will activate Article 8 of the 1990 Strike-in-Essential-Services Act. This legislation allows the Italian Transport Minister to impose minimum service requirements or completely ban strikes if they pose a threat to Italy’s national pride or public safety. The Olympics, as a global event, fall under this special category of national interest.
These measures are meant to limit disruption to the arrival and departure of Olympic delegations, personnel, and tourists. If enacted, the measures will make the strikes illegal, with unions facing fines of up to €50,000 for violations. Employers will also be required to honor their obligations, including scheduling flights between 07:00 and 10:00 and 18:00 and 21:00, even if strikes are in effect.
Impact on Business and Tourism
As Milan prepares to host the Winter Olympics, the government intervention provides businesses and travelers with certainty. Flights to and from the Milan Linate, Malpensa airports, and the Venice airport are expected to remain operational, allowing Olympic delegations to maintain their travel commitments. Companies with travel-critical needs will also be able to proceed with their plans without fear of delays, cancellations, or postponements during the Olympics. The smooth operation of Italy’s airports will be vital for the Olympics, which will attract tens of thousands of travelers.
This operational change brings stability, but challenges still loom, especially for those with business travel needs. Unions have indicated that more industrial action is possible, with speculation about a 48-hour strike following the Paralympic Games in March. It is advisable for critical business travelers to monitor updates from Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and keep contingency routing plans in place for any last-minute disruptions.
Visa and Travel Logistics During the Crisis
For those dispatching athletes, officials, and VIP guests to Italy, navigating the visa process amidst the uncertainty of potential flight disruptions can be a logistical challenge. VisaHQ offers a dedicated Italy portal that streamlines the tracking of visa applications and other necessary travel documentation. With the Olympics attracting thousands of international travelers, this service is crucial in ensuring that visa documentation is processed efficiently to avoid delays for international visitors.
Strike Rights and the Protection of Public Order
The actions of the Italian government have sparked an ongoing debate about balancing the right to strike with the right of the government to ensure essential services remain operational during significant global events. This decision reflects a growing trend among governments seeking to enforce minimum service levels during major events such as the Olympic Games.
The Italian government’s approach prioritizes public safety and national interests, aiming to ensure the smooth functioning of the Olympic Games. However, this puts unions and labor leaders in a challenging position as they continue to advocate for better wages and working conditions for aviation personnel. In the coming weeks, debates will likely continue about how to balance these concerns while maintaining uninterrupted services for the Olympics.
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