Flights across Italy are expected to face disruption on April 10 as air traffic controllers and aviation staff stage a coordinated strike affecting airports nationwide.
The industrial action, involving personnel linked to ENAV and ground handling services, is set to impact both domestic and short-haul European routes.
The strike is scheduled to last several hours during the day, in line with typical aviation walkouts in Italy. While a full shutdown of airspace is not expected, delays and cancellations are likely, particularly during peak travel periods.
Airports, including Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome and Milan Malpensa Airport, are expected to see the highest level of disruption due to their role as major international hubs. Flights operating within Italy and across Europe are considered most at risk, while long-haul services may experience knock-on delays rather than widespread cancellations.
Italian regulations require minimum service levels during strikes, meaning certain flights must still operate. These protected time slots, known as “fasce di garanzia”, are designed to limit the overall impact on passengers. As a result, early morning and late evening flights are more likely to run as scheduled.
Airlines have begun adjusting schedules ahead of the strike, with some offering rebooking options or flexible changes for affected passengers. Travellers are being advised to check their flight status regularly and allow extra time at the airport due to potential operational delays.
The strike reflects ongoing tensions between unions and aviation authorities over working conditions and sector reforms. Similar industrial actions in Italy have previously caused short-term disruption across the country’s air transport network, particularly during busy travel periods.
Passengers travelling to, from, or within Italy on April 10 are advised to monitor updates from airlines and airport operators. While the strike is expected to be limited in duration, its timing and scope mean that significant delays are possible across key routes.
