UK tourists heading to Italy next month have been warned to expect travel disruption, particularly on specific dates, as strikes are set to cause significant upheaval at airports. Flights could be cancelled or delayed, according to reports.
May 11: A 'Black Day' for Air Travel
Italian media have reported that Monday, May 11, could become a 'black day' for air travel. Regional strikes will coincide with easyJet's national strike, which is scheduled from 10am to 6pm. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, a series of protests at local levels in different sectors threaten to halt air transport. Employees of airport service and security companies in Cagliari, Enav in Rome and Naples, Adr Security in Fiumicino, and handling companies in Palermo will also join the strike.
A separate bulletin from travel management firm Cisalpina Tours International stated: 'Rome Airport, 11/5/2026 - eight hours from 10am to 6pm. Air transport sector delays and cancellations are expected. Strike by staff at ENAV - Rome air traffic control centre.'
Social Media Updates
British content creator and travel business owner Kate Donnelly (@Thedonnellyedit) posted an update on TikTok, warning that May 11 will have the biggest impact on flights. She noted that air traffic control staff at Rome's area control centre and Naples will strike for eight hours, from 10am to 6pm. Additionally, easyJet pilots and cabin crew will strike, but only within Italy, so flights elsewhere in Europe should not be affected.
Kate advised passengers to expect flight delays and last-minute cancellations. She urged travellers to keep checking their flight schedules and ensure alerts and notifications are switched on to stay updated on sudden changes.
Further Strikes on May 29
Another strike is planned for Friday, May 29, which will cause widespread disruption across Italy, affecting public services including rail and road networks. Trains will be affected from 9pm on Thursday, May 28.
Passenger Rights
If your flight is cancelled, you are typically entitled to a replacement flight or a full refund. Flights departing from an EU airport, such as those in Italy, are covered under EU/UK regulations. Martin Lewis' MSE team advises that passengers stranded abroad should be offered an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity, which does not have to be with the same airline. The Civil Aviation Authority states that passengers should be rerouted on the same day as their original flight if possible, but if not, the airline should identify alternative re-routing options to minimise disruption.
Passengers cannot claim compensation if the delay is caused by circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as strikes by air traffic controllers, airport staff, or ground handlers. However, if the strike involves airline staff directly, such as easyJet's pilots and cabin crew, passengers may have grounds to pursue additional compensation.
