United Airlines Issues Warnings for European Hub Disruptions

May 15, 2026 — United Airlines has issued travel alerts for passengers flying to Rome's Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Brussels International Airport (BRU), citing planned strikes that are expected to cause significant flight disruptions in the coming days. The airline is offering flexible rebooking options for affected travelers.

Rome Facing Air Traffic Control Strike

An eight-hour strike by air traffic controllers is scheduled for May 11 at Fiumicino International Airport, as well as Naples. This industrial action, initiated by ENAV employees, is anticipated to cause a surge in flight delays and cancellations across Italy, impacting numerous airlines operating in the region. ITA Airways has reportedly canceled at least 38% of its May 11 flights due to the strike.

United Airlines, which operates five main nonstop routes to Rome with 5-7 daily arrivals, has taken precautions by extending flexible rebooking to passengers with flights scheduled for May 10 and May 11. The airline's official travel alerts page advises passengers, "If your flight is affected, here are your options: You can reschedule your trip and we’ll waive change fees and fare differences. But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between May 8, 2026 and May 15, 2026. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked."

• Newark (EWR) → Rome (FCO)
• Washington Dulles (IAD) → Rome (FCO)
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) → Rome (FCO)
• Denver (DEN) → Rome (FCO)
• San Francisco (SFO) → Rome (FCO)

Brussels Airport to See Nationwide Protest

Following the strike in Rome, Brussels International Airport is bracing for a nationwide protest on May 12, 2026. This industrial action is expected to involve security and ground handling staff, leading to significant operational challenges. Brussels Airport officials anticipate that less than 50% of departing flights will operate on that day.

Brussels Airport released a statement confirming their efforts to minimize impact: "Together with all partners involved, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can still go ahead on that day. To ensure this can be done safely and without excessive waiting times, airlines have been asked to limit the number of departing passenger flights on that day. Based on current information, just under half of the departing flights could go ahead," the airport stated.

United Airlines has also extended flexible rebooking options for flights to Brussels on May 11 and May 12. The airline operates approximately 25 nonstop flights per week to Brussels, with the highest frequency from Washington Dulles (IAD). This marks the ninth strike impacting air travel at Brussels International Airport since last year.

Current Flight Operations

As of Sunday morning, United Airlines reported a relatively low number of flight disruptions, with 44 delays and 8 cancellations. However, five cancellations have already been announced for Monday. Rome's Fiumicino Airport was noted as having the second-highest number of departing flight cancellations globally for Monday. United Airlines did not provide further comment when contacted regarding the disruptions in Rome.

Travelers flying to or from these European hubs are advised to monitor their flight status closely and utilize the flexible rebooking options provided by United Airlines.