22–23 February 2026 — Italian aviation unions have reconfirmed 24-hour national strikes for 26 February and 7 March 2026, following the postponement of earlier planned action. The industrial action is expected to affect air-traffic services, ground handling operations and airline crews across Italy’s major airports.

The strikes will run from 00:01 to 24:00 local time on both dates. According to industry and national media reporting, airlines are preparing for significant disruption to domestic and international services to, from and within Italy.

Operational Impact

Airlines operating at major hubs including Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Linate Airport are adjusting schedules and advising passengers of potential cancellations and delays.

ITA Airways has indicated that a substantial proportion of its scheduled flights may be affected on strike days. Disruption may also extend into adjacent operational periods as carriers reposition aircraft and crews.

Under Italy’s regulated industrial action framework, minimum service guarantees apply during specified protected time windows. However, airlines typically implement precautionary cancellations to manage operational risk and maintain network stability.

Industrial Context

The coordinated action follows stalled negotiations relating to wage adjustments and roster harmonisation across segments of the aviation workforce. Union federations involved include Filt-CGIL, Fit-CISL, Uiltrasporti, UGL Trasporto Aereo, ANPAC and ANP.

An earlier strike planned for 16 February 2026 was deferred following a directive issued by the Italian Ministry of Transport to avoid disruption during the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympic period. The revised dates have since been confirmed by union representatives.

For operators and network planners, the strikes represent short-term operational disruption during a busy European winter travel window. The situation reflects broader labour pressures within segments of the European aviation sector, particularly where post-pandemic restructuring intersects with wage negotiations and updated regulatory frameworks.