Italy: National air and rail strikes July 20-22 /update 5

Event

A national strike by air traffic controllers set to take place on Saturday, July 21, has been called off. However, various other strikes affecting air and rail travel are still set to take place June 20-22.

On July 20, employees of Techno Sky - the company that manages and maintains systems and equipment used for air traffic control - will be on strike for the entire day. The following day, July 21, a national strike by airport workers is scheduled, along with strikes by cabin crews and pilots at Blue Panorama Airlines and Italy-based Vueling cabin crews. Flight delays and cancelations are to be anticipated on these days.

Furthermore, a national rail strike involving employees at Trenord (the company that operates regional passenger trains in the Lombardy region), NTV (a privately-run high-speed train operator), and FSI (a group that oversees the country’s rail network) will run from 21:00 on July 21 until 21:00 on July 22 (local time). Delays, modified timetables, last-minute cancelations, and overcrowding on available trains are to be anticipated during the above periods. Increased road congestion in urban areas is also possible.

Context

Transportation-related strikes are common in Italy. However, in accordance with Italian law, minimum levels of services must be guaranteed during all strikes.

Advice

Travelers are advised to confirm flight and rail reservations on the above days and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.