In the first major test of Italy’s new Olympic-time transport rules, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed that the government will issue an emergency injunction banning two nationwide airport strikes planned for 16 February and 7 March. Both walk-outs had been called by multiple aviation unions to press for progress on a long-stalled collective-bargaining agreement covering flight crews, ground handlers and air-traffic technicians.
Salvini told reporters that the injunction text was being finalised “within minutes,” arguing that the right to strike must give way to Italy’s obligation to guarantee smooth operations while two billion television viewers watch the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics (6-22 February) and Paralympics (6-15 March). The National Strike Commission had already asked unions to postpone action to the 24 February-4 March window, but labour leaders refused, saying negotiations with the ministry had produced “no concrete wage offer.”
For organisations dispatching athletes, staff or VIP guests, visa logistics can be just as tricky as flight disruptions. VisaHQ’s dedicated Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) streamlines the entire application process, offers real-time status tracking and provides expert guidance—helping travellers secure the right documents quickly while they juggle shifting itineraries.
![Italian Government Moves to Block Airport Strikes During Milano-Cortina 2026]()
If signed, the order will activate Article 8 of Italy’s 1990 Strike-in-Essential-Services Act, which allows the transport minister to impose minimum service levels—or, in exceptional circumstances, a full suspension—when industrial action threatens “national prestige” or public safety. Employers will still have to respect guaranteed time-bands (07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00), but organisers face fines of up to €50,000 for non-compliance.
For business travellers and mobility managers, the immediate benefit is greater certainty: flights into Milan Linate, Malpensa and Venice are unlikely to be cancelled at the last minute, and inbound Olympic delegations can maintain tight transfer schedules. However, risk does not disappear—unions have already hinted at a fresh 48-hour stoppage in late March, after the Paralympics close. Companies with critical travel should keep contingency routings active and monitor notices from Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).
The episode also offers an early glimpse of how the government may handle transport labour unrest ahead of next year’s Jubilee in Rome and the 2032 European football championships, both of which will strain Italy’s aviation infrastructure. Mobility stakeholders should expect a more interventionist posture whenever major events put the country under an international spotlight.(ansa.it)
Salvini told reporters that the injunction text was being finalised “within minutes,” arguing that the right to strike must give way to Italy’s obligation to guarantee smooth operations while two billion television viewers watch the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics (6-22 February) and Paralympics (6-15 March). The National Strike Commission had already asked unions to postpone action to the 24 February-4 March window, but labour leaders refused, saying negotiations with the ministry had produced “no concrete wage offer.”
For organisations dispatching athletes, staff or VIP guests, visa logistics can be just as tricky as flight disruptions. VisaHQ’s dedicated Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) streamlines the entire application process, offers real-time status tracking and provides expert guidance—helping travellers secure the right documents quickly while they juggle shifting itineraries.
If signed, the order will activate Article 8 of Italy’s 1990 Strike-in-Essential-Services Act, which allows the transport minister to impose minimum service levels—or, in exceptional circumstances, a full suspension—when industrial action threatens “national prestige” or public safety. Employers will still have to respect guaranteed time-bands (07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00), but organisers face fines of up to €50,000 for non-compliance.
For business travellers and mobility managers, the immediate benefit is greater certainty: flights into Milan Linate, Malpensa and Venice are unlikely to be cancelled at the last minute, and inbound Olympic delegations can maintain tight transfer schedules. However, risk does not disappear—unions have already hinted at a fresh 48-hour stoppage in late March, after the Paralympics close. Companies with critical travel should keep contingency routings active and monitor notices from Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).
The episode also offers an early glimpse of how the government may handle transport labour unrest ahead of next year’s Jubilee in Rome and the 2032 European football championships, both of which will strain Italy’s aviation infrastructure. Mobility stakeholders should expect a more interventionist posture whenever major events put the country under an international spotlight.(ansa.it)
