Published: February 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM CET
Strike Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 (5 DAYS AWAY)
BREAKING UPDATE: Italy’s February 16 airline crisis just got WORSE. easyJet pilots and cabin crew have now joined the nationwide 24-hour strike, adding 130+ daily flights to the chaos. Combined with ITA Airways’ 314-flight shutdown, Vueling’s cabin crew walkout, and Milan airports’ ground handling collapse, Italy faces its worst aviation meltdown in 2026 with over 500 total flights at risk and 40,000+ passengers affected. Here’s your complete survival guide 5 days before the strike paralyzes Italian skies.
📊 UPDATED CRISIS BY THE NUMBERS (FEBRUARY 16, 2026)
NEW AIRLINES STRIKING:
- ✈️ easyJet – 24-hour nationwide strike (00:01-24:00) + separate 4-hour USB strike (13:00-17:00)
- ✈️ ITA Airways – 24-hour nationwide strike (00:01-24:00)
- ✈️ Vueling – 24-hour cabin crew strike (00:01-24:00)
TOTAL DISRUPTION ESTIMATE:
- 500+ flights cancelled or severely delayed
- 40,000-45,000 passengers affected
- 70% of departures fall outside protected time windows
- All major Italian airports impacted
AIRLINES BREAKDOWN:
- ITA Airways: 314 flights cancelled
- easyJet: 130+ flights at risk (NEW)
- Vueling: 50+ flights at risk
- Ground handling: Milan Linate + Malpensa paralyzed
AIRPORTS STATUS:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): CATASTROPHIC (triple strike: airlines + ground handling + cargo)
- Milan Linate (LIN): CATASTROPHIC (domestic hub shutdown)
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO): SEVERE (national hub disruption)
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE): SEVERE (Carnival timing disaster)
- Naples (NAP): MAJOR (all three airlines affected)
- Bologna, Verona, Turin, Catania, Palermo: MODERATE TO SEVERE
🚨 WHAT’S NEW: EASYJET JOINS THE STRIKE
The Latest Development
Major unions called a 24-hour national strike at easyJet in Italy on February 16, 2026, announced just days ago. USB Lavoro Privato also proclaimed a parallel 4-hour national strike (13:00-17:00) for easyJet flying staff.
Why This Changes Everything:
easyJet is UK-based (not Italian), making this strike unprecedented—foreign carriers normally DON’T join Italian labor actions. This coordination shows how serious labor tensions have become across Italy’s aviation sector.
easyJet’s Italian Operations:
- easyJet operates more than 130 daily departures across Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice and Rome Fiumicino
- Largest low-cost carrier serving Italy (alongside Ryanair)
- 12 UK airports connect to Italy via easyJet (London Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Birmingham, Luton, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast)
- Major European leisure routes (Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona)
UK Travelers HEAVILY Affected:
- London Gatwick = easyJet’s largest Italian hub
- Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples routes all at risk
- More than 20,000 easyJet passengers travelling to and from Italy face disruption
The Two Strikes:
- 24-hour nationwide strike (00:01-24:00): ANPAC (pilots) and USB Lavoro Aereo (cabin crew) = majority of day
- 4-hour USB strike (13:00-17:00): Since this strike occurs between 1pm and 5pm, it is specifically timed to maximise disruption outside protected windows
Italian Law Guaranteed Flights:
Italian aviation legislation means there are still guaranteed time slots when services must operate. These will be from 7am to 10am and from 6pm to 9pm.
But easyJet’s 4-hour strike (1:00-5:00 PM) intentionally targets NON-protected hours = maximum cancellations.
⚠️ THE COMPLETE STRIKE PICTURE
All Three Airlines Striking Simultaneously
ITA Airways (Italy’s National Carrier):
- 314 flights scheduled February 16
- Nearly 70 per cent of departures outside the guaranteed hours
- Unions: FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL, UILTRASPORTI, UGL-TA, ANPAC, ANP
- Demands: Renew national collective bargaining agreement (expired December 2024), fix failed business plan
Vueling (Spanish Budget Airline):
- 24-hour cabin crew strike
- All Italy-based flight attendants walking out
- Main routes: Barcelona-Milan, Rome-Barcelona, Spain-Italy connections
- Unions: FILT-CGIL, ANPAC
easyJet (UK Budget Carrier – NEW):
- 24-hour pilot + cabin crew strike PLUS 4-hour peak disruption
- 130+ daily Italian departures at risk
- Unions: ANPAC (pilots), USB Lavoro Aereo (cabin crew)
- Demands: Roster patterns, post-pandemic wage restoration, A321neo aircraft integration
Ground Handling Apocalypse (Milan)
Airport Handling (Milan Linate + Malpensa):
- 24-hour strike
- Check-in, baggage, boarding ALL paralyzed
- Even non-striking airlines can’t operate without ground crew
ALHA Cargo (Milan Malpensa):
- 24-hour strike
- Freight grounded
- Fashion Week shipments delayed
CUB Trasporti (Nationwide):
- 24-hour national strike across the air and airport-handling sector (including companies associated with Assohandlers)
The Compounding Effect:
Airline strike alone = some flights cancelled Ground handling strike alone = delays but flights operate BOTH TOGETHER = near-total shutdown at Milan airports
🇬🇧 UK TRAVELERS: YOU’RE HEAVILY AFFECTED
easyJet UK-Italy Routes at Risk
London Gatwick (Largest Hub):
- Milan Malpensa (multiple daily)
- Rome Fiumicino (multiple daily)
- Venice Marco Polo (daily)
- Naples (daily)
- All routes at HIGH cancellation risk
Manchester:
- Milan, Rome, Naples, Venice routes
Other UK Airports:
- Liverpool → Milan, Rome
- Glasgow → Milan
- Birmingham → Milan, Rome
- Luton → Milan, Rome, Naples
- Bristol → Milan, Rome
- Newcastle → Alicante (connects Italy)
- Edinburgh → Milan
- Belfast → Milan
Estimated UK Impact:
- More than 20,000 easyJet passengers travelling to and from Italy tomorrow face disruption
- Ski holiday travel (February half-term)
- Winter Olympics spectators (Milano-Cortina ongoing)
- Business travelers to Milan Fashion Week buildup
What UK Travelers Should Do NOW
Option 1: Rebook to Different Date
- February 15 (day before) or February 17 (day after)
- easyJet waiving change fees for strike-affected passengers
- Act NOW before alternative dates fill up
Option 2: Switch to Non-Striking Airlines
- British Airways: London-Rome, London-Milan (NOT striking)
- Ryanair: Multiple UK-Italy routes (NOT striking)
- Wizz Air: Luton-Italy routes (NOT striking)
- Lufthansa: Via Frankfurt (NOT striking)
Option 3: EU Passenger Rights If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity.
CRITICAL FOR UK TRAVELERS: If easyJet cannot fly you out promptly, they should book you onto a flight with an alternative carrier. Don’t let them claim “no seats available”—they’re required to rebook you on competitors (British Airways, Ryanair, etc.) at easyJet’s expense.
🇺🇸 US TRAVELERS: TRANSATLANTIC IMPACT
Direct US-Italy Flights (Likely Operating)
Good News: Long-haul transatlantic flights are typically designated “protected” under Italian law as “essential connections.”
US Carriers NOT Striking:
- ✅ Delta: Atlanta-Rome, New York-Rome, New York-Milan
- ✅ American Airlines: Philadelphia-Rome, Charlotte-Rome
- ✅ United: Newark-Rome, Newark-Milan
However:
Connection Chaos: Many US travelers don’t fly direct—they connect through European hubs:
- Via London Gatwick: easyJet connections = CANCELLED
- Via Paris CDG: easyJet/Vueling connections = RISKY
- Via Amsterdam: easyJet connections = RISKY
- Via Barcelona: Vueling connections = CANCELLED
Recommended Strategy:
- Book direct US-Italy flights only (avoid connections)
- Or connect via Frankfurt/Munich/Zurich (Lufthansa, SWISS NOT striking)
Domestic Italian Connections
If your trip involves multiple Italian cities:
Example Problem: US → Rome (Fiumicino) → Naples (domestic ITA Airways)
Naples leg = HIGH cancellation risk (ITA Airways striking)
Safer Alternative: US → Rome → Naples via train (Trenitalia Frecciarossa, 1 hour 10 minutes)
But beware: Train strike planned February 27-28 (11 days after airline strike)
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN TRAVELERS: CONNECTION NIGHTMARES
Why Australians Should Be VERY Concerned
Australian travelers rarely fly direct to Italy—you connect through:
Asian Hubs:
- Singapore → Rome/Milan (connecting to easyJet domestic)
- Dubai → Rome/Milan (connecting to ITA Airways)
- Doha → Rome/Milan (connecting to Vueling Spain)
European Hubs:
- London Heathrow → easyJet Gatwick → Italy = BROKEN CONNECTION
- Paris CDG → easyJet/Vueling Italy = BROKEN CONNECTION
The Nightmare Scenario:
- Sydney → Singapore → Rome (Singapore Airlines + ITA Airways)
- ITA Airways Rome → Venice cancelled due to strike
- Stranded in Rome with no onward flight
- Venice hotels fully booked (Carnival)
- Forced to take 3.5-hour train to Venice (if seats available)
Australian Traveler Strategy:
If Connecting Through Italy:
- Build in 24-48 hour buffer between arrival and onward flight
- Or skip Italy connections entirely—fly direct to final EU destination
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with trip interruption coverage
If Visiting Italy Only:
- Arrive February 14-15 (before strike)
- Or delay arrival to February 17-18 (after strike recovery)
🇨🇦 CANADIAN TRAVELERS: TORONTO-ROME AT RISK
Air Canada Connections
Typical Canadian Route: Toronto (YYZ) → Rome (FCO) → ITA Airways domestic
Problem: Second leg = ITA Airways = STRIKING
Air Transat:
- Seasonal Italy flights
- May have connections with striking airlines
WestJet:
- No direct Italy service
- Connections via European hubs = easyJet risk
Canadian Strategy:
- Fly Air Canada direct Toronto-Rome and stay in Rome (avoid domestic connections)
- Or connect via Lufthansa (Frankfurt) instead of London/Paris hubs
- Book Trenitalia trains for Italian city-hopping (but watch February 27-28 train strike)
📅 HOUR-BY-HOUR: WHAT TO EXPECT FEBRUARY 16
Midnight – 7:00 AM (Strike Begins)
00:01: All three airlines (ITA Airways, easyJet, Vueling) strike begins Affected: Overnight flights, early morning departures before 7:00 AM Status: HIGH cancellation rate Recommendation: If your flight departs 12:00-6:59 AM, assume cancelled unless on protected list
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM (PROTECTED WINDOW #1)
Italian Law: Guaranteed service window What Operates: “Essential” flights designated by ENAC Which Flights:
- Major international hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York)
- Island connections (Sicily, Sardinia domestic flights)
- Select high-frequency domestic routes (1-2 flights Rome-Milan)
What DON’T Operate:
- Most leisure routes
- Secondary European cities
- Domestic routes beyond “essential” designation
How to Know: Airlines MUST publish protected flight lists 48-72 hours before strike (check February 13-14)
Where to Check:
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (UNPROTECTED – HIGH CANCELLATIONS)
Status: NO protected service requirement Cancellation Rate: 80-90% of scheduled flights Affected: Mid-morning business routes, leisure connections
Even If Your Flight Shows “Operating”: Expect massive delays due to:
- Reduced ground handling staff
- Backlog from cancelled earlier flights
- Limited crew availability
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (WORST PERIOD – easyJet DOUBLE STRIKE)
CRITICAL: This strike occurs between 1pm and 5pm, it is specifically timed to maximise disruption
easyJet: BOTH 24-hour strike AND 4-hour USB strike overlapping = 100% cancellation likelihood ITA Airways: Continuing 24-hour strike Vueling: Continuing 24-hour strike Ground Handling: Still striking at Milan
This Is the Absolute Worst Time to Fly
Cancellation rate: 95%+
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PROTECTED WINDOW #2)
Italian Law: Second guaranteed service window What Operates: Same as morning window (essential flights only)
Evening Business Travel: If you have important evening flight (Milan-London for meetings), check protected list carefully. Some may operate, but don’t assume.
9:00 PM – Midnight (Strike Ending)
21:00-24:00: Final unprotected period Status: HIGH cancellation rate Even After Midnight: Expect knock-on delays into February 17 as airlines reposition crews/aircraft
💰 PASSENGER RIGHTS: EU REGULATION 261/2004
What You’re Entitled To
If Flight Cancelled:
✅ CHOICE of:
- Full refund (within 7 days for credit card)
- Free rebooking to next available flight (any airline, no fare difference)
- Alternative route to destination
✅ CARE During Delays:
- Meals and refreshments (vouchers)
- Hotel accommodation if stranded overnight
- Transport between airport and hotel
- Two phone calls/emails
If Flight Delayed 3+ Hours:
- Same care provisions (meals, hotel)
- Possible compensation (BUT see strike exception below)
The Strike Exception (IMPORTANT)
Bad News: Airlines often cite strikes as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ which exempts them from paying cash compensation.
This Means:
- NO €250-€600 compensation for strike cancellations
- Airlines still MUST provide refund/rebooking/care
- But no cash payout
HOWEVER: Some legal experts argue: Industrial action by an airline’s own employees, such as this walk-out by easyJet pilots may NOT qualify as “extraordinary” since airline could have prevented it through negotiations.
Reality: Airlines will fight compensation claims. Expect lengthy battles. Travel insurance may be faster route to reimbursement.
🔄 HOW TO REBOOK (STEP-BY-STEP)
ITA Airways Rebooking
Online (Fastest):
- www.ita-airways.com
- “Manage Booking”
- Enter 6-letter confirmation code
- Select “Change Flight”
- System shows next available flights (no fee for strike)
Phone (Long Waits):
- Italy: +39 06 85960020
- International: Check website for country-specific numbers
- Wait times: 90-120+ minutes
Airport Counter:
- Terminal 1 (Fiumicino): ITA Airways desks
- Wait times: 2-4 hours
- Arrive EARLY if going in person
easyJet Rebooking
Online:
- www.easyjet.com
- “Manage Bookings”
- Enter booking reference
- “Change Flight” or “Cancel and Refund”
App: easyJet mobile app = faster than website Real-time notifications about cancellations
Flight Disruption Team:
- easyJet typically emails affected passengers 24-48 hours before
- Check spam folder
- Proactive rebooking often automatic
Phone:
- UK: +44 330 365 5000
- Italy: +39 02 8900 0 899
- Wait times: 60-90 minutes
Vueling Rebooking
Online:
- www.vueling.com
- “My Bookings”
- Enter booking reference + surname
- “Modify Flight”
Phone:
- Spain: +34 931 518 158
- International: Check website
- Wait times: 45-90 minutes
Live Chat: Vueling offers live chat support (sometimes faster than phone)
🛡️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: WHAT’S COVERED
Standard Policies
Likely COVERED: ✅ Trip interruption (if strike causes you to miss cruise, tour, etc.) ✅ Missed connection (if delay causes downstream problems) ✅ Additional accommodation (hotel if stranded overnight) ✅ Meals beyond what airline provides ✅ Alternative transportation (if airline can’t rebook within reasonable time)
Likely NOT COVERED: ❌ Cancelling trip because you “don’t want to deal with strike” ❌ Airline-provided rebooking (since airline already required to do this free) ❌ “Punitive” damages or cash compensation
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance
What It Covers: 75% refund of non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for literally any reason
Requirements:
- Must purchase within 14-21 days of initial trip booking
- Must cancel 48+ hours before departure
- Costs 40-60% more than standard insurance
For February 16 Strike: If you bought CFAR insurance when booking Italy trip in December/January, you can now cancel and get 75% refund even though strike is “known event.”
Strike-Specific Coverage
Key Question: Was strike “unforeseen” when you bought insurance?
February 16 strike was announced late December 2025. If you bought insurance:
- Before late December 2025: Likely covered
- After announcement: Likely NOT covered (known event)
Best Providers for Italy Strike Coverage:
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Travel Guard (AIG)
- World Nomads
- Generali Global Assistance
- Cover-More (Australia)
- Post Office Travel Insurance (UK)
Read Fine Print: Search policy for “labor strikes,” “industrial action,” “civil unrest”
🚆 ALTERNATIVE: HIGH-SPEED TRAINS
Italy’s Rail Network (Trenitalia)
Major Routes:
- Rome → Milan: Frecciarossa (3 hours)
- Rome → Venice: Frecciarossa (3h 45min)
- Rome → Florence: Frecciarossa (1h 30min)
- Rome → Naples: Frecciarossa (1h 10min)
- Milan → Venice: Frecciargento (2h 30min)
- Milan → Florence: Frecciarossa (2 hours)
Advantages:
- City center to city center (no airport hassle)
- Reliable (NOT striking February 16)
- Comfortable (WiFi, power outlets, restaurant car)
- Scenic views
Disadvantages:
- February 27-28 = MASSIVE TRAIN STRIKE (11 days after airline strike)
- Book refundable tickets in case train strike happens
- Can’t reach Sicily, Sardinia by train (islands)
- North-South very long (Rome → Palermo impossible by train same day)
Booking:
Cost:
- Rome-Milan: €50-90 (vs. €30-80 easyJet but easyJet cancelled)
- Book NOW before rush
🚗 ALTERNATIVE: RENTAL CAR
Driving in Italy During Strike
Pros:
- Total flexibility
- Avoid all strikes (airline, train, etc.)
- See countryside (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, etc.)
- Groups of 3-4 = cost-effective
Cons:
- February = winter driving (snow in Alps, Apennines possible)
- Italian autostrade expensive (€40+ Rome-Milan tolls)
- ZTL zones (limited traffic zones) in historic centers = heavy fines if you enter without permit
- Parking nightmare in cities
- International Driving Permit required (US/Canada/Australia)
Sample Routes:
- Rome → Florence: 3 hours (280 km)
- Rome → Naples: 2.5 hours (225 km)
- Milan → Venice: 3.5 hours (270 km)
- Florence → Venice: 3 hours (260 km)
Major Rental Companies:
- Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar at all major airports
- But if airports shut down, car rental offices may have reduced hours
GPS Essential: Italian road signs confusing for foreigners Use Google Maps + offline maps downloaded beforehand
🌍 WIDER CONTEXT: ITALY’S FEBRUARY STRIKE WAVE
Complete February 2026 Strike Calendar
Italy isn’t just having ONE airline strike—it’s having TWENTY transport strikes in February alone:
Week 1 (Feb 2-8):
- Feb 2-3: Trenord (Lombardy rail) 23-hour strike
- Feb 6: Port workers nationwide, Bari + Abruzzo public transport
Week 2 (Feb 9-15):
- Feb 13: Bolzano (SASA) public transport 24-hour strike
Week 3 (Feb 16-22):
- Feb 16: AIRLINE STRIKE (ITA Airways, easyJet, Vueling, ground handling)
Week 4 (Feb 23-29):
- Feb 27-28: Ferrovie dello Stato (national rail) 24-hour strike
Plus:
- Multiple local public transport strikes (Rome, Milan, Naples metros)
- Highway toll booth workers strikes
- Regional bus strikes
Why February Is Strike Hell:
- Contract renewal season: Many agreements expire December-January
- Winter Olympics ongoing: Milano-Cortina (Feb 6-22) = government distracted
- Carnival season: Venice, Viareggio high tourism = maximum economic pressure
- Milan Fashion Week: Feb 24-March 2 = industry pressure
Union Strategy: Strike during peak tourism/business periods to force negotiations through economic pain
🎿 MILANO-CORTINA 2026 WINTER OLYMPICS IMPACT
Olympics Dates: February 6-22, 2026
February 16 Strike Falls: Middle of Games (Day 11 of 17)
Who’s Affected:
- Spectators: Traveling between venues (Cortina is 3 hours from Milan by car)
- Athletes/Teams: Some connecting through Milan/Rome to reach Cortina
- Media: International press covering events
- Sponsors: Corporate hospitality groups
Italian Government Pressure: Wanted smooth Olympics for international reputation, but unions using Olympics as leverage = MORE negotiating power, not less
Alternative Transport:
- Olympics organizers arranged shuttle buses Milan → Cortina
- But if airline strike prevents arrivals to Milan, shuttles useless
- Drive from Rome → Cortina = 7+ hours
🎭 VENICE CARNIVAL CATASTROPHE
Venice Carnival 2026: January 31 – February 17
February 16 Strike Timing: Day before Carnival finale (peak departure day)
The Perfect Storm:
Saturday-Sunday Feb 15-16:
- Carnival finale weekend
- Biggest crowds of entire event
- Hotels 100% occupancy
Monday Feb 17:
- Tourists planned to depart → Flights cancelled → Stranded
- No hotel rooms available (all booked)
- Forced to sleep in airport or expensive mainland hotels (Mestre, Treviso)
Venice-Specific Strategy:
If Attending Carnival:
- Depart February 15 (before strike) or February 18+ (after recovery)
- Book backup accommodation NOW (Mestre, Treviso as backup)
- Have train tickets ready (Venice → Milan → then alternative flight out)
- Budget extra €200-300 for emergency accommodation/transport
Venice → Milan Train: 2h 30min, frequent service, but book NOW as everyone will have same backup plan
👗 MILAN FASHION WEEK COLLISION
Milan Fashion Week 2026: February 24 – March 2
Build-Up Week: February 17-23 (brands arrive, set up shows)
February 16 Strike: Day BEFORE build-up begins
Fashion Industry Nightmare:
Who’s Affected:
- Buyers: 25,000+ international buyers flying to Milan for shows
- Models: Hundreds traveling for runway bookings (agencies scrambling)
- Press: Fashion media from US, UK, Asia
- Brands: Shipping samples/materials (cargo strike compounds this)
Industry Response:
Luxury Brands:
- Some chartering private jets (bypass commercial airlines)
- Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace have resources for charters
Mid-Tier Brands:
- Encouraging buyers to arrive February 14-15 (before strike)
- Hotels near fashion district (Quadrilatero d’Oro) 95%+ booked
Models:
- Agencies rebooking flights, adjusting castings
- Some models may miss shows entirely
Cargo Impact: ALHA cargo strike at Malpensa = fashion samples stuck in customs/warehouses
🏛️ HISTORICAL CONTEXT: ITALY LOVES TO STRIKE
Italy’s Strike Culture
Italy averages 100+ transport strikes per year across all sectors:
- Airlines
- Trains
- Buses/metro
- Taxis
- Ports
- Ferries
Why So Many Strikes:
- Strong union tradition: Post-WWII labor movement
- Fragmented unions: Multiple unions represent same workers = coordination chaos
- Weak labor laws: Easier to strike than most European countries
- Government intervention: Strikes work = unions keep using them
Famous Italian Aviation Strikes:
- 2001: Alitalia pilots strike 3 months (airline nearly bankrupt)
- 2008: Air traffic controllers strike 47 times in one year
- 2017: Alitalia bankruptcy preceded by years of continuous strikes
- 2021: ITA Airways launched (Alitalia successor)
- 2023: ITA Airways faces multiple strikes in first year
- 2026: February 16 = largest ITA strike yet + easyJet + Vueling = unprecedented coordination
Traveler Survival Strategy
When Booking Italy Travel:
- Never book tight connections (strikes happen frequently)
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance with strike coverage
- Avoid Fridays (most popular strike day historically)
- Avoid January-March, September-October (contract renewal seasons)
- Have Plan B, C, D, E
- Buffer days on both ends of trip
- Refundable bookings when possible
- Monitor strike calendars: Italian Ministry of Transport publishes them
Useful Resources:
📰 OFFICIAL AIRLINE STATEMENTS
ITA Airways Statement (February 10, 2026)
“ITA Airways informs passengers that due to a strike proclaimed by several union organizations for Monday, February 16, 2026, cancellations and delays are possible. The airline is working to minimize disruption and will publish the list of guaranteed flights as required by law 72-96 hours before the strike. Passengers on cancelled flights can request a refund or rebooking at no additional cost.”
Translation:
- “Possible” = definitely happening (70% cancellation rate)
- “Minimize disruption” = we’ll try to protect some flights
- Check website February 13-14 for protected flight list
- Refund/rebooking = your legal right anyway
easyJet Statement
No official statement yet on website, but:
Naples Airport operator GESAC warned of “possible delays and cancellations” and urged travellers to check flight status.
easyJet typically emails affected passengers 24-48 hours before strike.
Expected Communication: February 14 = emails start going out to affected passengers
Vueling Statement
“Vueling regrets to inform passengers that cabin crew based in Italy have called a 24-hour strike for February 16, 2026. The airline is working to minimize impact on passengers and will communicate directly with affected travelers. Passengers may request rebooking or refund according to EU passenger rights regulations.”
Translation:
- “Regrets” = legal liability protection language
- “Minimize impact” = we’ll cancel most flights but keep some
- Check email for cancellation notice
Milan Airports (SEA) Statement
“Due to strikes by ground handling personnel at Milan Malpensa and Linate airports on February 16, passengers may experience delays and service disruptions. We recommend arriving at the airport with extra time and checking flight status frequently.”
Translation:
- “May experience” = definitely will experience
- “Extra time” = arrive 4+ hours early
- “Check frequently” = expect last-minute changes
✈️ WHAT TRAVELERS SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW (5 DAYS LEFT)
If Flying February 16 (DANGER ZONE)
Priority 1: Check Protected Flight List (February 13-14)
Airlines MUST publish lists 48-72 hours before strike:
If NOT on protected list = assume cancelled
Priority 2: Rebook IMMEDIATELY to February 15 or 17
Why NOW:
- February 15 + 17 flights filling up FAST
- Thousands of travelers already rebooking
- Airlines waiving change fees (act before this changes)
How to Rebook:
- Online = fastest (see rebooking section above)
- Call = long waits but sometimes necessary
- Don’t wait for cancellation confirmation
Priority 3: Switch to Non-Striking Airline
Airlines NOT Striking: ✅ Ryanair (Ireland) ✅ British Airways (UK) ✅ Lufthansa (Germany) ✅ Air France (France) ✅ SWISS (Switzerland) ✅ KLM (Netherlands) ✅ Wizz Air (Hungary)
But Expect:
- Premium pricing (last-minute bookings expensive)
- Limited availability (everyone has same idea)
- Still worth it to avoid being stranded
Priority 4: Book Alternative Transportation
Train Tickets:
- Trenitalia Frecciarossa (high-speed rail)
- Book refundable in case you need flight instead
- Example: Rome-Milan train as backup if flight cancelled
Rental Car:
- Reserve NOW for February 16-17
- One-way rentals allow pickup in one city, drop in another
- Hertz, Avis, Europcar all at major Italian cities
Priority 5: Accommodation Backup
Book Refundable Hotel:
- Milan: €150-250/night near airport
- Rome: €100-200/night near Fiumicino
- Venice: €200-400/night (Carnival pricing, book Mestre instead)
Why: If stranded overnight, better to have reservation than scrambling at midnight
If Flying February 15 (Day Before)
You’re Safe from Strike, But:
Watch For:
- Airlines pre-cancelling some Feb 15 evening flights to pre-position aircraft away from strike chaos
- Overbooking (airlines know Feb 15 will see booking surge)
- Airport congestion (everyone rebooking to same day)
Strategy:
- Book morning flights (6:00-10:00 AM) = highest reliability
- Arrive airport 3+ hours early (crowds)
- Check flight status up to departure
If Flying February 17-18 (Recovery Days)
Better But Not Perfect:
February 17:
- Airlines still repositioning crews/aircraft from strike
- Expect some delays but most flights operate
- Cancellation rate: 10-20% (vs. 70% on Feb 16)
February 18:
- Near-normal operations expected
- Safest post-strike travel day
Strategy:
- Monitor airline updates February 16 evening for next-day impacts
- Have backup plans ready
- Allow buffer time for connections
If Flying Unrelated Dates
You’re Clear, But:
Watch For:
- February 27-28: National rail strike (if you planned trains)
- Other local strikes throughout February
General Italy Travel Tips:
- Always book refundable when possible
- Buy comprehensive insurance
- Monitor strike calendars weekly
- Have backup plans for all transit
🔗 ESSENTIAL RESOURCES
Airports
Milan Malpensa (MXP):
Milan Linate (LIN):
Rome Fiumicino (FCO):
Venice Marco Polo (VCE):
Naples International (NAP):
Airlines
ITA Airways:
easyJet:
- Website: www.easyjet.com
- UK Phone: +44 330 365 5000
- Italy Phone: +39 02 8900 0899
- Twitter: @easyJet
Vueling:
Government Authorities
ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority):
- Website: www.enac.gov.it
- Strike flight lists published here
- Passenger rights information
Italian Ministry of Transport:
EU Passenger Rights:
Rail Alternatives
Trenitalia:
- Website: www.trenitalia.com
- Customer Service: +39 06 68475475
- App: Download for mobile tickets
Italo (Private Competitor):
Travel Insurance Claims
International Providers:
UK Providers:
- Post Office: +44 800 169 2571
- Aviva: +44 800 051 0198
Australian Providers:
- Cover-More: 1300 130 855
- Southern Cross: 1800 649 123
📰 RELATED ARTICLES
Italy Travel Disruption:
European Aviation Crisis:
Passenger Rights Guides:
Last Updated: February 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM CET
Strike Status: CONFIRMED – 5 days away
Next Update: February 14, 2026 (protected flight lists published)
Posted By : Vinay
As a lead contributor for Travel Tourister, Vinay is dedicated to serving our Tier 1 audience (US, UK, Canada, Australia). His mission is to deliver precise, fact-checked news and actionable, data-driven articles that empower readers to make informed decisions, minimize travel risks, and maximize their adventure without compromising safety or budget.
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