Coordinated air travel strikes in Italy on May 11 threaten major flight delays

What’s set to break on May 11

Italy is facing a coordinated air travel strike on Monday, May 11, with an 8-hour walkout running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EasyJet pilots and cabin crew are set to strike nationwide, while air traffic control staff at Rome and Naples and airport security staff at Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino are also taking action.

ENAV confirmed the strike on May 6. The Transport Ministry’s strike register lists the action, which also includes ground handlers at Palermo and Cagliari airports.

Who’s most exposed

Flights into and out of major hubs are likely to see cancellations and delays, including routes through Rome, Naples, Milan, Venice, Cagliari and Palermo. EasyJet’s Italy network is especially exposed, with frequent links from the UK to Italian cities such as Milan, Naples, Venice and Rome.

Business aviation may feel it too. ENAV staff at the Rome Area Control Centre and Naples-Capodichino tower are part of the strike, which can affect clearances for executive flights into Milan’s Linate airport.

What travelers should do now

Italy’s aviation authority keeps limited protection time slots in place during strikes, so some flights may still operate between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Travelers should check airline apps and airport alerts often, because changes can happen at the last minute.

Passengers on easyJet may have a claim under EU261 if the airline’s own staff strike disrupts their trip, while delays tied only to the ENAV action usually fall under extraordinary circumstances. For live updates, follow visa updates and check our Italy guide for the complete picture.