Italy: Activist groups plan two unrelated protests in Florence Sept. 30 to denounce proposed airport expansion, alleged anti-LGBTQ discrimination

Event

Activists plan to hold two unrelated protests in Florence Sept. 30. Several local activist groups plan to hold a protest march in the northwestern part of the city from 14:00 to denounce a proposed expansion and the alleged ongoing negative environmental impact of Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR). Participants will march from Via Lombardia to FLR; protest organizers did not immediately announce a specific march route. Separately, demonstrators plan to gather at Fortress Gardens (Giardini della Fortezza) in central Florence at 17:00 to protest alleged anti-LGBTQ discrimination. It was not immediately clear how many people would participate in either demonstration.

Heightened security measures and ground transport disruptions are likely near all demonstration sites, including FLR, and may persist for several hours after the protests end. Protest-related flight disruptions cannot be ruled out at FLR Sept. 30. Low-level confrontations are possible between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

Advice

Avoid the demonstrations as a standard precaution. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the protests and any related ground transport disruptions. Allow additional time if traveling to or from FLR and confirm flight reservations. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Strictly heed all instructions from local officials.