Italy Prepares for Major Strikes at Milan, Venice, Naples Airports

Key Takeaways

• On July 10, 2025, Italy’s major airports faced 24-hour strikes, delaying or canceling over 210,000 travelers’ flights.
• Strikes involved ground handling staff and EasyJet crews at Milan Malpensa and other airports, demanding better contracts.
• Guaranteed flights operated 7–10 a.m. and 6–9 p.m.; airlines offered refunds and rebooking options amid widespread disruptions.

Italy’s busiest airports faced major disruption on July 10, 2025, as airport strikes swept across the country. Ground handling staff and airline crews, including those at Milan Malpensa, walked out for a full day, leaving over 210,000 travelers stranded or delayed. The strikes, which affected EasyJet and other major airlines, hit at the height of the summer travel season, causing widespread confusion and frustration for both Italian residents and international visitors.

The strikes began early Thursday and continued for 24 hours, with some local actions stretching into July 11. Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice, Cagliari, and Naples airports were the hardest hit, but ripple effects reached other regions, including Tuscany and Palermo. The walkouts affected check-in, baggage handling, and flight operations, leading to hundreds of canceled or delayed flights.

What Sparked the Airport Strikes?

The strikes were organized by several unions representing ground handling staff and airline crews. Workers demanded better working conditions, higher wages, improved contracts, and stronger job protections. Many said they were frustrated by years of stalled negotiations and recent changes in the aviation sector that threatened job security.

Union leaders explained that the strikes were a last resort. “We have been asking for fair contracts and better conditions for years,” said a spokesperson for one of the main unions. “With no progress, we had no choice but to take action during the busiest time of year to make our voices heard.”

Airports and Airlines Most Affected

The impact was felt most strongly at Milan Malpensa, one of Italy’s main international gateways. EasyJet’s Italy-based pilots and cabin crew joined the strike, causing major delays and cancellations for the airline’s flights. Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, American, Delta, Emirates, and Air France also reported significant disruptions.

Local strikes added to the chaos:

• Venice: Aviation Service staff were on strike all day, affecting multiple airlines.
• Milan Linate & Malpensa: Swissport Italia, SEA, and Airport Handling staff walked out for the full day.
• Naples: Romeo Gestioni staff stopped work from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Cagliari: SogaerSecurity staff struck from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Palermo: Gesap staff staged a local strike on July 11.

Scope of Disruption and Who Was Affected

The strikes caused a chain reaction across Italy’s air travel network. Over 210,000 passengers faced delays or cancellations. Many travelers, including tourists, businesspeople, and families, found themselves stuck in terminals or scrambling to rebook flights.

Check-in counters and baggage handling services were hit hard. Some passengers waited hours for updates, while others were told their flights were canceled with little notice. The situation was especially difficult for those with connecting flights or urgent travel needs.

Guaranteed Flights and Legal Protections

Italian law requires that certain flights operate during strikes to protect essential travel. On July 10, flights scheduled between 7:00–10:00 a.m. and 6:00–9:00 p.m. were guaranteed to run. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) published a list of these flights on its official website, helping travelers check if their journeys were protected.

Still, many flights outside these time slots were canceled or delayed. Airlines were required to offer alternative flights or refunds to affected passengers. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, most airlines set up special online forms and hotlines to handle the surge in refund and rebooking requests.

How EasyJet and Other Airlines Responded

EasyJet, one of the main carriers at Milan Malpensa, advised passengers to use the “Manage Booking” section on its website for updates and changes. The airline also sent notifications by email and app to keep travelers informed.

Other airlines, including Ryanair and British Airways, posted real-time updates on their websites and social media. They urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and to use official channels for refunds or compensation.

Advice for Travelers During the Strikes

Travelers caught up in the strikes faced tough choices. Many had to decide whether to wait for a rescheduled flight, accept a refund, or make new travel plans. Here are some practical steps for those affected:

• Check Flight Status: Always confirm your flight’s status with the airline or airport before leaving home.
• Consult ENAC: Visit the ENAC website for the latest list of guaranteed flights and official advisories.
• Use Airline Tools: Log in to your airline’s website or app to manage bookings, request refunds, or rebook flights.
• Keep Receipts: If you incur extra costs (like hotels or meals) due to delays, keep all receipts. You may be able to claim compensation.
• Act Quickly: Submit refund or compensation requests as soon as possible, as processing times may be longer during widespread disruptions.

Official Resources for Help

Several official resources were available to help travelers:

• ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority): Published guaranteed flight lists and passenger advisories.
• Italy Refund Portal: Allowed passengers to submit claims for compensation or refunds.
• Airlines’ Official Websites: Provided rebooking options, refund forms, and real-time updates.

Union and Stakeholder Perspectives

Union leaders stressed that the strikes were about more than just pay. “We want respect for our work and real job security,” said a representative from USB, one of the main unions involved. “The aviation sector has changed a lot, but workers’ rights have not kept up.”

Airport operators, including SEA and Swissport Italia, warned travelers about possible delays and urged them to plan ahead. “We regret the inconvenience but support the right of workers to demand fair treatment,” said a spokesperson for Milan Malpensa’s management.

The Italian Ministry of Transport confirmed the strike schedule and the guaranteed flight slots but did not announce any immediate solutions. Talks between unions and employers continued, but as of July 11, no final agreement had been reached.

Background: Why Do Airport Strikes Happen in Italy?

Italy’s transport sector has a long history of labor disputes, especially during the summer. Unions often time strikes to coincide with peak travel periods, when their actions will have the most impact and draw the most attention to their demands.

In recent years, changes in the aviation industry—such as new contracts, outsourcing, and restructuring—have led to growing frustration among workers. Many feel that their pay and conditions have not kept pace with the demands of the job or the profits of airlines and airport operators.

The 2025 strikes stood out for their size and coordination. Multiple unions joined forces, and both national and local actions took place at the same time. This made it much harder for airlines and airports to manage the disruption, especially at major hubs like Milan Malpensa.

Implications for Immigrants, Tourists, and Local Communities

The strikes had a wide impact on different groups:

• Immigrants and Foreign Workers: Many rely on air travel for family visits, work, or legal appointments. Disruptions can cause missed deadlines or lost job opportunities.
• Tourists: Italy is a top summer destination. Delays and cancellations can ruin holiday plans and lead to extra costs.
• Local Residents: Airport workers and their families face uncertainty during strikes, especially if negotiations drag on.
• Business Travelers: Missed meetings or events can have financial consequences for companies and individuals.

For many, the strikes were a reminder of how closely travel, work, and daily life are connected in today’s world.

What Can Travelers Do Next?

If you were affected by the July 10 airport strikes, here are some steps you can take:

1. Request a Refund or Rebooking: Use your airline’s official website to submit a request. Most airlines have dedicated forms for strike-related claims.
2. Check Your Rights: Under European Union rules, you may be entitled to compensation for canceled or delayed flights, unless the disruption was caused by “extraordinary circumstances.” Strikes by airline staff often qualify for compensation, but ground handling strikes may not.
3. Monitor for Future Strikes: As no agreement has been reached, more strikes could happen. If you have travel planned in July or August, keep checking for updates.
4. Prepare for Delays: If you must travel, pack essentials in your carry-on, allow extra time at the airport, and have a backup plan in case of delays.

Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Strikes?

As of July 11, 2025, talks between unions and employers were still ongoing. No final deal had been reached, and union leaders warned that more strikes could happen if progress stalls. Travelers planning to fly through Milan Malpensa or other major Italian airports in the coming weeks should stay alert and consider flexible travel options.

Summary Table: Major Airport Strikes in Italy (July 10, 2025)

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Stay Informed: Use official sources like the ENAC website and your airline’s site for the latest updates.
• Know Your Rights: You may be eligible for a refund or compensation if your flight was canceled or delayed.
• Act Quickly: Submit claims as soon as possible to avoid long waits.
• Be Flexible: Have backup plans in case of further strikes or delays.

Conclusion

The July 2025 airport strikes in Italy, especially at Milan Malpensa, showed how quickly travel plans can change when workers take action for better conditions. EasyJet and other airlines worked to help passengers, but many travelers still faced long waits and uncertainty. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, and more strikes could happen if talks do not lead to a deal. For anyone planning to travel through Italy’s airports this summer, staying informed and prepared is the best way to avoid surprises and make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Learn Today

Airport Strikes → Work stoppages by airport staff and crews causing disruptions in flight operations and passenger services.
Ground Handling Staff → Employees responsible for services such as baggage handling, check-ins, and aircraft servicing at airports.
Guaranteed Flights → Flights legally required to operate during strikes within specific time windows to ensure essential travel.
ENAC → Italian Civil Aviation Authority overseeing aviation safety, regulations, and publishing official notices for travelers.
Rebooking → The process of changing a passenger’s flight reservation due to cancellations or delays caused by disruptions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Italy’s busiest airports suffered mass strikes on July 10, 2025, disrupting over 210,000 passengers. Workers sought better conditions at Milan Malpensa, causing flight delays and cancellations. Despite guaranteed time slots, chaos spread nationwide, impacting travelers and airlines like EasyJet. Official resources aided passengers amid an uncertain aviation labor dispute unfolding during summer.
— By VisaVerge.com