Italy’s first major transport strike of the summer season is planned for Friday, June 20th, affecting rail links, flights, and more.
Disruption is expected to some of Italy’s public services on Friday, with a general strike lasting 24 hours planned to hit transport and other sectors.
It’s unclear ahead of time just how big the strike will be, or how many people plan to take part. But as usual with strikes in Italy, the impact is likely to vary from one part of the country to another.
KEY DATES: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in June 2025
For passengers planning to fly or travel by train on the day, here’s a look at what to expect.
Trains
The walkout is to involve staff at both public and private railway companies, including Trenitalia and Trenord.
Disruption is likely between 9pm on Thursday, June 19th and 9pm on Friday 20th.
Passengers may face cancellations or delays to both long-distance services and Intercity and regional trains, though there no specific details of any cancellations had been published as of Monday.
Trenitalia guarantees a minimum number of services deemed essential during strikes on weekdays, between 6am and 9am and again from 6pm to 9pm.
Local public transport
Rome, Milan and other cities across Italy are likely to also see disruption to local public transport services on Friday due to the strike.
The walkout is likely to affect local bus, rail and tram services, with strike times varying from city to city.
In Milan, services will be guaranteed to run in the morning until 8.45am and then from 3pm to 6pm, according to local public transport operator ATM.
Rome’s transport company ATAC said services will run until 8.30am and from 5pm to 8pm.
Flights
Plans for the general strike include a 24-hour walkout by airport workers, including baggage handlers and ground staff employed by both airports and some external companies.
This could result in delays or cancellation to flights to and from Italian airports on Friday, as well as long waits upon arrival.
No airlines had published details of any cancellations as of Monday morning.
However, passengers flying on Friday are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before setting off
Which flights are guaranteed?
Flights scheduled to depart between 7am and 10am, and between 6pm and 9pm, are protected from strike action under Italian law.
You can find specific details of flights on Friday that are covered by these rules published here by Italian air transport authority ENAC.
What to do if your flight is cancelled
If you’re flying within the EU or from an EU country to a non-EU one, you may have the right to either a refund or rebooking under Europe’s Air Passenger Rights.
This also applies to passengers travelling from non-EU countries to EU countries if the operating airline is licensed in the EU.
Find full details HERE.
Why is the strike happening?
Friday’s general strike has been called by several of Italy’s larger trade unions including USB, CUB, and FLAI.
They’re calling for cuts to defence spending and more investment instead in health, education, and transport, and more measures to ensure workplace safety, as well as demanding wage increases and contract renewals for public sector staff.
Keep up with the latest updates in The Local’s strike news section.