Italy Travel Alert: Major Train and Airport Strikes to Disrupt Thousands This February 2026

Italy is world-renowned for its “Dolce Vita,” but for thousands of travelers this February, the sweet life may feel a little more like a logistical puzzle. If you have been dreaming of espresso in a Roman piazza or hitting the slopes during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, you need to keep a close eye on the calendar.

A wave of industrial action is set to sweep across the Italian peninsula, hitting both the skies and the tracks. From nationwide aviation walkouts to a 24-hour rail stoppage, here is everything you need to know to keep your travel plans from hitting a dead end.

The Mid-Month Sky Blues: Aviation Strikes on February 16

The first major hurdle arrives on Monday, February 16. This isn’t just a minor delay; it is a coordinated effort by several of the country’s largest aviation unions.

ITA Airways, Italy’s flagship carrier, is at the center of the storm. Ground staff, pilots, and flight attendants have planned a 24-hour walkout starting at midnight. Data suggests that nearly 314 flights are scheduled for that day, and current estimates warn that up to 70% of those departures could be affected. For travelers, this means between 25,000 and 27,000 passengers could find themselves stranded or re-routed.

But ITA isn’t the only airline feeling the heat. Cabin crew for Vueling are also expected to stage a full-day strike. Furthermore, ground-handling staff at Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa—the two primary gateways to the Olympic venues—are joining the action. This could mean that even if your flight is one of the lucky ones to stay on the schedule, you might face significant delays at check-in, security, and baggage claim.

The Late-Month Rail Halt: February 27–28

Just as the dust settles from the airport chaos, the rail network takes its turn. From 21:00 on Friday, February 27, to 20:59 on Saturday, February 28, the Italian state railway, Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), will undergo a 24-hour national strike.

This action will ripple through every level of the rail system. Whether you are planning to take a high-speed Frecciarossabetween Florence and Naples, an Intercity train through the countryside, or a humble regional commuter, expect widespread cancellations. Because the strike ends on a Saturday evening, the “cascading delays” are likely to bleed into Sunday, February 29 (2026 being a leap year), as trains and crews struggle to get back into position.

Why Is This Happening?

It is easy to feel frustrated when your holiday is disrupted, but it is helpful to understand the “why.” These strikes aren’t arbitrary; they are the result of long-stalled negotiations over pay, rest periods, and job security.

Unions argue that current contracts don’t account for the rising cost of living or the increased pressure of a booming tourism sector—especially with the added weight of the Winter Olympics. They are pushing for better rostering rules to ensure staff get adequate rest and more clarity on long-term investment in the workforce.

The “Guaranteed Windows”: Your Safety Net

Italian law is unique in that it recognizes the right to strike while also protecting the public’s basic right to mobility. This means that even on strike days, there are “fasce di garanzia”—guaranteed time slots where services must run.

• For Flights: Essential services are generally guaranteed from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00.
• For Trains: During the work week, regional trains are usually guaranteed during peak morning and evening commute hours. However, since the rail strike falls on a Friday night and Saturday, these commuter windows may be more limited.

If you must travel on these days, try to book your tickets within these guaranteed windows, though be prepared for extreme crowding.

Proactive Tips for the Savvy Traveler

1. Check Your Inbox: Airlines like ITA and Vueling are required to notify you of cancellations. Ensure your contact details are up to date in their systems.
2. Download the Apps: The Trenitalia and ITA Airways apps provide real-time updates. In Italy, the website ViaggiaTreno is an excellent tool for tracking live rail delays.
3. Know Your Rights: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled due to an airline strike, you are entitled to a refund or re-routing, and in many cases, assistance (meals and hotels).
4. Buffer Your Connections: Avoid tight connections between a flight and a train. If the aviation strike delays your arrival on the 16th, your subsequent train booking might be missed.
5. Consider Alternatives: For the rail strike on the 27th, look into long-distance bus services like FlixBus or Itabus, which often remain operational even when the trains stop.

The Human Element

Travel is about connection—connecting with new cultures, old friends, or even just a new version of ourselves. While these strikes present a hurdle, they also remind us of the thousands of people—the pilots, the cleaners, the conductors—who work behind the scenes to make our journeys possible.

A little patience goes a long way. If you find yourself in a long queue at Fiumicino or waiting for a bus in Milan, remember that the person behind the counter is likely just as stressed as you are.

Stay informed, stay flexible, and you’ll still find that Italian magic, even if it takes a slightly different route than you planned.

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