A nationwide general strike in Italy is set to take place on March 8, 2025, causing significant disruptions to air, rail, and public transport services. This follows previous strikes in January and February, making it the third major disruption in Italian airspace this year.
Impact on UK Flights
The strike is expected to affect up to 70 direct flights between the United Kingdom and Italy, potentially impacting around 11,000 passengers. Key airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair, which operate frequent flights to major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence, will likely see major schedule changes.
Routes at risk include:
- London to Rome
- London to Milan
- Manchester to Rome
- Edinburgh to Milan
Protected Flight Times
Flights between 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM are expected to proceed as scheduled, according to Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). However, passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with airlines to avoid surprises.
Additional Strikes Loom
Further disruptions are expected on March 16, 2025, when Italian baggage handlers will strike for 24 hours, alongside a four-hour air traffic control strike (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM). These actions could further delay flights, especially affecting check-in and baggage services.
Rail and Transport Disruptions
Rail services will also be impacted by a 12-hour strike on March 7. Further strikes are planned for March 18-19, which could complicate travel across Italy by train.
Advice for Travelers
- Stay Flexible: Aviation expert Anton Radchenko advises flexibility, especially for passengers with connecting flights through Italy, as these are more susceptible to disruption.
- Check for Updates: Regularly monitor airline websites for real-time updates.
- Travel Insurance: Review policies to understand coverage for strike-related disruptions. While compensation for delays may be limited under UK law due to extraordinary circumstances, some travel insurance policies may cover such events.
Passenger Rights
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours due to a strike, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation. However, you may be entitled to assistance under certain conditions. Ensure you receive written confirmation of delays or cancellations to support any potential insurance claims.
Recommendations for Affected Travelers:
- Monitor flight statuses regularly via airline channels.
- Consider alternative routes or rescheduled travel dates to avoid strike periods.
- Verify travel insurance coverage for disruption-related claims.
- Explore other transport options to minimize the impact of rail and flight disruptions.
By staying informed and flexible, travelers can better navigate the upcoming disruptions due to Italy’s general strike.
Public Transport Service on Freepik by macrovector
