Italian Air Traffic Control and easyJet Strikes Loom in Coming Weeks

September 18, 2026 — Italy faces significant aviation disruption in the coming weeks with a confirmed nationwide air traffic control strike scheduled for September 30, followed by an easyJet Italy cabin and flight crew strike on October 16.

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport strike register confirms that staff from air navigation service providers ENAV and Techno Sky are set to strike nationwide from 13:00 to 17:00 local time on September 30. This action is expected to affect flights utilizing Italian airports or airspace.

Separately, easyJet Airlines Limited cabin and flight crew in Italy are scheduled for a full-day nationwide strike on October 16.

Impending Italian Disruptions

The air traffic control strike on September 30 could lead to widespread delays for both inbound and outbound flights. While Italian regulations protect scheduled departures during specific windows (07:00–10:00 and 18:00–21:00), disruption can still propagate across the network.

The subsequent easyJet strike on October 16 specifically targets the airline's operations within Italy, potentially leading to cancellations or significant delays for its services.

Ongoing Issues in Spain

Beyond Italy, selected airports in Spain continue to experience ongoing industrial action affecting ground-handling and tower services. These actions, subject to minimum-service orders from Spain's Ministry of Transport, may cause possible delays and baggage disruption, though widespread automatic cancellations are not anticipated.

Advice for Travelers

Travelers with plans involving Italy or Spain during these periods are advised to monitor their flight status closely. Airlines and airports are the primary sources for up-to-date information regarding potential cancellations or schedule changes.

Passengers affected by cancellations may be entitled to re-routing or a refund under passenger rights regulations. Care, including meals and accommodation, may also be due depending on the circumstances, though cash compensation for external strikes often depends on the specifics of the disruption.

The general advice for passengers is to:

• Check the airline or airport's live status before departure.
• Allow additional time for check-in, baggage, and connections where industrial action is active.
• Keep essential items in hand luggage.
• Avoid changing bookings unless a cancellation or material schedule change is confirmed by the operator.

While these disruptions are significant for affected routes, most European flights and trains are operating normally, indicating that the active risks remain operator- and location-specific rather than signaling a continent-wide shutdown, according to available information.