Italy is facing a series of transport strikes throughout October 2025, disrupting rail, air travel, local transit, and even taxi services. Multiple unions have filed strike notices that will affect services nationwide and in major cities, prompting warnings for both residents and international travelers.
The first nationwide strike begins on Thursday, October 2, when the SI Cobas union has called a 24-hour general strike lasting until the evening of Friday, October 3. Rail operators Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord will be affected, while airport and local public transport workers are also expected to join. Authorities caution that disruptions may extend beyond the official strike window, impacting schedules before and after the stoppage.
Rail, Air, and Local Transport Disruptions
Trenitalia has confirmed that some high-speed Frecciarossa and long-distance trains will continue to operate, but delays and cancellations are likely. Regional services are expected to be more heavily impacted, particularly in northern Italy. Trenord, which operates Lombardy’s suburban and airport connections, will be among the most affected operators.
Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), the national rail infrastructure manager, has stated that guaranteed minimum services will operate during peak commuting hours from 06:00 to 09:00 and 18:00 to 21:00. Despite this safeguard, passengers on routes such as Milan’s Malpensa Express and Rome’s Leonardo Express should expect cancellations, with buses providing alternatives where possible.
Air travelers will also see disruptions in mid and late October. On Monday, October 13, employees of Aeroporti di Roma (AdR), which manages Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, will stage a four-hour strike between 12:00 and 16:00. Later in the month, on Wednesday, October 29, staff at Milan Linate, Florence, and Pisa airports are scheduled to strike for 24 hours, potentially causing widespread delays and cancellations.
In Rome, a separate 24-hour strike by local transport unions is planned for Friday, October 10, affecting buses, metro, and trams. Authorities in the capital have warned of reduced services and longer waiting times throughout the day. Other cities including Florence, Bologna, and Naples are also expected to see localized walkouts during the month.
Taxi Strike and Union Demands
In Naples, taxi drivers have announced a strike for Tuesday, October 14, from 08:30 to 22:00. The walkout is expected to significantly reduce taxi availability across the city, including at key transport hubs such as Naples Centrale railway station and Naples Capodichino Airport. While ride-hailing services may continue, demand is likely to exceed supply, leading to longer wait times and higher fares.
The wave of strikes reflects wider union demands across Italy’s transport sector. SI Cobas, which organized the nationwide October 2–3 action, is calling for better wages and improved working conditions. Local unions in Rome and Naples cite staffing shortages, safety concerns, and the rising cost of living as driving factors behind their strike notices.
In the aviation sector, unions argue that passenger growth has not been matched by adequate staffing levels, particularly at Fiumicino, Italy’s busiest airport. The upcoming strikes by ground staff are intended to pressure operators into hiring additional employees to reduce strain on existing workers.
Italy’s Ministry of Transport has urged unions to minimize disruption to essential services and reminded operators that strike calendars are strictly regulated to prevent nationwide shutdowns. Despite these assurances, October is expected to bring one of the most challenging months for travel in recent years.
International visitors are advised to closely monitor official transport websites, consider flexible booking options, and plan for delays. With strikes affecting trains, planes, local transit, and even taxis, travelers should allow extra time and stay alert to last-minute changes.
| Date | Location | Affected Services |
|---|---|---|
| October 2–3 | Nationwide | Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord rail services; some local transit |
| October 10 | Rome | 24-hour strike affecting buses, metro, and trams |
| October 13 | Rome (Fiumicino and Ciampino airports) | Airport ground staff strike, 12:00–16:00 |
| October 14 | Naples | Taxi strike, 08:30–22:00 |
| October 29 | Milan Linate, Florence, Pisa | 24-hour airport staff strike |
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