Italy Blocks Airport Strikes to Prevent Olympics Travel Issues

Travelers heading to and from Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics were on edge as major airport unions were set to strike on February 16, but Italian government officials are now saying the strike will occur on February 26. 

Italian news site Corriere della Sera reported that the strike, in which six different unions across Italy were planning to participate in on February 16, has been postponed to February 26, 2026. The 24-hour protest and strike follows over 20 months of frozen employment contracts. Another one on March 7 was also delayed, according to Euronews, though we do not know when that strike has been rescheduled. 

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport issued an injunction on the strike due to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini saying that travel must be guaranteed during the “event of global importance.” 

While those traveling through the airports in Rome, Venice, Milan or in other locations throughout Italy shouldn’t worry about the strike this weekend, those expected to fly to or from Italy on February 26, 2026 should maintain communications with their airline about potential disruptions. 

According to Euronews, rail workers are also expected to strike later in February. 

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