Italy is bracing for widespread transport strikes in March, affecting air travel, train schedules, and local public transportation. From nationwide rail disruptions to baggage handler walkouts at major airports, the strikes could cause significant delays for travelers.
The first wave of disruptions will take place on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, when multiple sectors, including transport, will participate in a general strike. Flights could face cancellations throughout the day, while train services may experience disruptions from 9:00 PM on March 7 to 9:00 PM on March 8.
Travelers should also be aware of further baggage handler strikes on March 16, which could lead to long delays at check-in counters and baggage claim areas. Techno Sky, the company responsible for maintaining air traffic control systems, will also hold a four-hour strike from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the same day, potentially leading to further flight disruptions.
Rail passengers will need to plan ahead as nationwide train strikes on March 18-19 will impact major rail companies, including Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper. The strike will last 24 hours from 9:00 PM on March 18 to 9:00 PM on March 19, leading to service cancellations and extended wait times at train stations.
Local transit strikes will also cause headaches for commuters and tourists. On March 10, transport workers in Messina and Catania, Sicily, will strike for four hours, while public transportation in Palermo and Latina will be affected by a 24-hour walkout on March 15. The ANM (Neapolitan Mobility Company) strike on March 30 could cause further disruptions to bus and metro services in Naples.
With additional regional rail strikes in Piedmont, Aosta Valley, and Naples between March 21 and 22, visitors to Italy should expect potential travel delays throughout the month.
What Should Travelers Do?
Passengers flying to or from Italy in March should check their flight status with their airline, particularly on March 8 and March 16 when air transport strikes are expected to be most disruptive. Train travelers should verify schedules in advance and consider alternative routes or transportation methods, especially on March 18-19.
For those relying on local public transport, keeping up with real-time updates from local transit authorities is crucial to avoiding unexpected delays. Travelers should also allow extra time when moving between airports, train stations, and city centers.
As Italy prepares for these strikes, staying informed and flexible will be key to navigating the disruptions with minimal inconvenience.
