Tens of thousands of travellers – including sponsors and broadcasters heading to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics test events – breathed a sigh of relief after Italy’s strike-guarantee authority ordered unions to delay a 24-hour aviation walk-out initially set for 16 February. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini signed the decree late Sunday, arguing that "mobility must be guaranteed during an event of global importance". The stoppage will now take place on 26 February, outside the Olympic window but still within the busy school-holiday period. (euronews.com)
The strike involves pilots, cabin crew and ground staff at ITA Airways as well as EasyJet, Vueling and handling companies at Milan Malpensa, Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice and Verona. Although Italian law mandates protected flight bands (07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00), widespread cancellations and knock-on delays are expected before and after the protest.
Amid the likelihood of last-minute itinerary changes, travellers should also ensure their paperwork is in order. VisaHQ’s Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) offers fast online visa processing, passport services and real-time status tracking—support that can be invaluable for both individuals and corporate mobility teams when disruptions strike.
![Nation-Wide Air-Transport Strike Postponed to 26 February to Shield Winter Olympics]()
Rail workers plan a separate 24-hour stoppage from 21:00 on 27 February, threatening inter-city, regional and high-speed services. ENAV air-traffic-control personnel have also pre-announced a strike for 7 March, potentially affecting the Paralympics.
Corporate travel managers are urged to rebook critical trips, build slack into itineraries and keep employees informed via real-time apps. Airlines have begun offering free changes, but hotel and ground-transport availability around Cortina and Milan is already tight.
For Italy’s reputation as an event host – and for multinational mobility teams – the episode highlights the delicate balance between labour rights and ensuring seamless international access ahead of 2026’s marquee sporting showcase.
The strike involves pilots, cabin crew and ground staff at ITA Airways as well as EasyJet, Vueling and handling companies at Milan Malpensa, Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice and Verona. Although Italian law mandates protected flight bands (07:00-10:00 and 18:00-21:00), widespread cancellations and knock-on delays are expected before and after the protest.
Amid the likelihood of last-minute itinerary changes, travellers should also ensure their paperwork is in order. VisaHQ’s Italy portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) offers fast online visa processing, passport services and real-time status tracking—support that can be invaluable for both individuals and corporate mobility teams when disruptions strike.
Rail workers plan a separate 24-hour stoppage from 21:00 on 27 February, threatening inter-city, regional and high-speed services. ENAV air-traffic-control personnel have also pre-announced a strike for 7 March, potentially affecting the Paralympics.
Corporate travel managers are urged to rebook critical trips, build slack into itineraries and keep employees informed via real-time apps. Airlines have begun offering free changes, but hotel and ground-transport availability around Cortina and Milan is already tight.
For Italy’s reputation as an event host – and for multinational mobility teams – the episode highlights the delicate balance between labour rights and ensuring seamless international access ahead of 2026’s marquee sporting showcase.
