British holidaymakers heading to Italy in April face significant disruption as a series of strikes are planned throughout the month. According to the Italian Ministry of Transport, there will be 14 strikes across six days, affecting aviation, public transport, and other sectors. Italy welcomes around five million UK visitors annually, making this a key concern for travellers.
The first major strike is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, involving air traffic control, ground staff, and flight attendants. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports that eight strikes will hit the aviation sector simultaneously that day, with walkouts lasting four hours (1pm to 5pm) nationwide. Key airports affected include Naples International, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino, as well as area control centres in Rome and Milan. Delays and cancellations are expected.
Italian broadcaster Espansione TV warns that April 10 will be particularly challenging for air travel, with potential knock-on effects across the country. Passengers are urged to monitor flight status via airline websites. Additionally, a 24-hour national strike by railway infrastructure maintenance personnel on Saturday, April 11 may disrupt train services.
Further strikes are planned between April 13 and 24 in local public transport, including rail and maritime sectors. On April 13, on-board catering staff on trains will strike, while on April 17, BluJet staff in the Strait of Messina will walk out for eight hours. Regional transport strikes will hit Naples (Eav), Florence (Gest), Vasto, and Milan (ATM Group), with Milan facing eight-hour disruption to trams, metro, and buses on April 24.
Other sectors are also affected: freight transport in Sicily is expected to grind to a halt from April 14 to 18. Press workers will strike on April 16, and doctors and healthcare workers on April 17, both protesting the failure to renew national contracts. Travellers are advised to stay informed and check updates before journeying.
