Heads up in the Italian skies: a strike is on the horizon
Summer is still far away, but it's wise to start looking closely at the calendar to plan your travels effectively. On September 30, 2026, a specific component of the Italian air transport sector will be affected by a union action that could have repercussions on flights. This is a 4-hour strike, scheduled from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, involving ENAV (National Civil Aviation Authority) personnel at Linate Airport. The RSA UILT-UIL trade unions have proclaimed this work stoppage.
This type of industrial action, even if focused on a specific role, can create delays and disruptions not only for passengers departing from or arriving at Linate but potentially also for the entire national airport system, given the interconnected nature of air traffic.
What "minimum guaranteed services" means in air transport
When discussing strikes in the air transport sector, understanding the concept of "minimum guaranteed services" is crucial. Unlike other forms of transport, such as local public transport or rail, there are no predefined and universally equal time slots for all workers in the air transport sector. However, by law and through union agreements, there are safeguards to ensure an essential level of operation, especially for diverted, arriving, departing, or transiting flights during the strike.
For Enav personnel actions, this can translate into guaranteeing essential air traffic control operations and specific flights. It is important to emphasize that each strike has its own specific declaration detailing any guaranteed services. For precise information on this strike, it is always advisable to consult the official communications from airlines and airport authorities.
Planning ahead: practical advice for travelers
Those planning to fly on September 30, 2026, especially during the strike hours (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM), should start considering how to organize themselves. The first step, as always, is to check the status of your flight. Airlines are obliged to inform passengers in case of cancellations or significant delays due to strikes.
If your flight is cancelled due to the industrial action, passengers are entitled to a refund or rebooking of their flight to a later date, based on the fare conditions of their ticket and current regulations. It is advisable to contact the airline you booked with directly to find out your available options.
For a complete overview of announced strikes in Italy's transport sector, you can consult the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's Strike Dashboard at: scioperi.mit.gov.it.
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