Travellers breathed a temporary sigh of relief yesterday when Italy’s transport ministry confirmed that the planned walk-out by cabin crew, ground handlers and airport staff has been deferred until 26 February 2026—four days after the Milan-Cortina Winter Games close. Unions representing employees at ITA Airways, Vueling and easyJet, as well as handling agents at Milan Linate, Malpensa and Brescia airports, agreed to reschedule after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini invoked emergency-event powers designed to protect critical national infrastructure during major sporting events.
Industrial relations in Italy’s aviation sector have been strained for months over wage alignment, roster patterns and staffing levels. The 26 February strike is expected to last 24 hours for most groups, though easyJet’s Italy-based crews will strike for four. Air-traffic-control staff have separately announced a four-hour stoppage on 7 March, raising the prospect of rolling disruption just as post-Olympic business travel surges.
![Nationwide Aviation Strike Postponed to 26 February After Olympic Intervention]()
For travellers who might suddenly need alternate routings or updated documentation because of shifting flight schedules, VisaHQ can simplify the process of securing Italian or Schengen visas. Their dedicated Italy page (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) provides step-by-step applications, courier passport collection, and real-time requirement alerts—handy peace of mind when transport plans are in flux.
Airlines have begun contingency planning: ITA Airways told corporate clients it will pre-emptively cancel some domestic rotations and rebook passengers free of charge, while low-cost carriers are reviewing slot swaps to keep high-yield international services intact. Under EU261, travellers delayed more than three hours or whose flights are cancelled within 14 days of departure may claim up to €600—costs that could run into millions if the strike proceeds.
HR and mobility teams with end-of-month project kick-offs in Italy should consider rerouting via Zurich, Munich or Nice, adding buffer days, or switching to rail where feasible. Companies with fly-in teams for Olympic de-mobilisation should also secure hotel rooms promptly, as a re-booking wave is likely once airlines finalise revised schedules.
Industrial relations in Italy’s aviation sector have been strained for months over wage alignment, roster patterns and staffing levels. The 26 February strike is expected to last 24 hours for most groups, though easyJet’s Italy-based crews will strike for four. Air-traffic-control staff have separately announced a four-hour stoppage on 7 March, raising the prospect of rolling disruption just as post-Olympic business travel surges.
For travellers who might suddenly need alternate routings or updated documentation because of shifting flight schedules, VisaHQ can simplify the process of securing Italian or Schengen visas. Their dedicated Italy page (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) provides step-by-step applications, courier passport collection, and real-time requirement alerts—handy peace of mind when transport plans are in flux.
Airlines have begun contingency planning: ITA Airways told corporate clients it will pre-emptively cancel some domestic rotations and rebook passengers free of charge, while low-cost carriers are reviewing slot swaps to keep high-yield international services intact. Under EU261, travellers delayed more than three hours or whose flights are cancelled within 14 days of departure may claim up to €600—costs that could run into millions if the strike proceeds.
HR and mobility teams with end-of-month project kick-offs in Italy should consider rerouting via Zurich, Munich or Nice, adding buffer days, or switching to rail where feasible. Companies with fly-in teams for Olympic de-mobilisation should also secure hotel rooms promptly, as a re-booking wave is likely once airlines finalise revised schedules.
