The ORSA trade-union walk-out that began at 03:00 on 12 January has halted large swathes of Lombardy’s regional, suburban and airport rail network, with only limited “minimum-service” trains guaranteed during the commuter peaks of 06:00-09:00 and 18:00-21:00.([trenord.it](https://www.trenord.it/en/news/trenord-informs/notices/strike/?utm_source=openai)) Lines hit include the crucial Malpensa Express, forcing the operator to lay on non-stop buses from Milan Cadorna and Stabio.
Business travellers arriving for Milan’s fashion trade fairs reported taxi queues exceeding one hour as ride-hail prices surged. Airlines have advised passengers to allow at least three additional hours to clear city traffic and security, while some tour operators re-routed clients through Bergamo Orio al Serio airport.
![24-hour Trenord strike disrupts rail links—and Malpensa Airport access—on 12 January]()
For travellers suddenly needing to reroute through other Schengen countries or extend their Italian stay because of the strike, VisaHQ can streamline any required paperwork. Its Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) offers up-to-date entry rules, e-visa options and consular lead times, enabling corporate travel departments to adjust itineraries without administrative bottlenecks.
The strike underscores Italy’s fragmented labour landscape: railway staff fall under regional negotiating tables separate from the national FS group. ORSA is demanding harmonised bonuses and a freeze on station-agent cuts, arguing that understaffing compromises safety—an accusation Trenord rejects.
Corporate mobility managers should brief travellers to use the guaranteed slots or book fixed-price airport transfers. For employees stranded after 21:00, Italian law obliges companies to reimburse “necessary accommodation” if journeys home are impossible. Travellers transiting onward to Schengen destinations should note that missed flight connections do not automatically qualify for EU261 compensation when caused by national strikes.
Business travellers arriving for Milan’s fashion trade fairs reported taxi queues exceeding one hour as ride-hail prices surged. Airlines have advised passengers to allow at least three additional hours to clear city traffic and security, while some tour operators re-routed clients through Bergamo Orio al Serio airport.
For travellers suddenly needing to reroute through other Schengen countries or extend their Italian stay because of the strike, VisaHQ can streamline any required paperwork. Its Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) offers up-to-date entry rules, e-visa options and consular lead times, enabling corporate travel departments to adjust itineraries without administrative bottlenecks.
The strike underscores Italy’s fragmented labour landscape: railway staff fall under regional negotiating tables separate from the national FS group. ORSA is demanding harmonised bonuses and a freeze on station-agent cuts, arguing that understaffing compromises safety—an accusation Trenord rejects.
Corporate mobility managers should brief travellers to use the guaranteed slots or book fixed-price airport transfers. For employees stranded after 21:00, Italian law obliges companies to reimburse “necessary accommodation” if journeys home are impossible. Travellers transiting onward to Schengen destinations should note that missed flight connections do not automatically qualify for EU261 compensation when caused by national strikes.
