In April 2026, Italy will be hit by a wave of transportation strikes, affecting everything from air travel to public transit and ferries. Key dates have already been announced, during which delays, flight cancellations, and disruptions to subway and bus service are expected. Learn more about when the strikes are expected and how they will affect travel throughout the country

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In April 2026, Italy will face a series of transportation strikes that could seriously disrupt travel for both tourists and local residents. The most significant disruptions are expected in aviation, public transit, and maritime transport. Key dates have already been announced, but the situation could change at the very last minute.

A few days in mid-April will be particularly critical, as flight delays, subway disruptions, and ferry issues between Sicily and the mainland are all possible simultaneously. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth checking the schedule in advance and being prepared for changes.

In a previous article, we discussed new tourist taxes in Europe in 2026 and which countries will require tourists to pay more.

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Aviation strikes: when to expect flight delays

In April, strikes in the aviation sector will have the greatest impact on travel. This isn’t limited to individual airports but affects the entire country, so the risk of delays and cancellations will be widespread.

The key date is April 10, 2026. On this day, a strike by ENAV air traffic control staff is scheduled to take place from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

These services are responsible for air traffic control, so even a short strike affects dozens of flights across Italy.

What this means for passengers:

- Delays on both domestic and international flights

- Possible widespread cancellations, especially on short-haul flights

- A “domino effect” where flights are delayed throughout the day

The situation is further complicated by another factor—restrictions on aircraft refueling at a number of airports. Due to a surge in demand during the Easter holidays, aviation fuel supplies have temporarily dwindled.

In particular, restrictions have already been reported at the following airports:

- Bologna

- Milan-Linate

- Venice (Marco Polo)

- Treviso

Refuelling priority is currently given to:

- Government and medical flights

- Flights lasting more than 3 hours

As a result, domestic short-haul flights are suffering the most and may be the first to be cancelled.

A particularly telling example is the situation at Brindisi Airport, where fuel supplies have effectively run out due to the massive refueling of planes arriving from other cities. This has led to additional delays and forced airlines to adjust their flight logistics.

In a previous article, we reported that Italy is gradually introducing new restrictions for tourists due to overcrowding at popular destinations.

Public transportation: where and when to expect disruptions

In addition to aviation, significant disruptions are also expected in public transportation—primarily in major tourist cities. The strikes will affect the metro, buses, and trams, which are critical for travel within the country.

The first important date is April 13, 2026, Naples. On this day, the transport company EAV will hold a strike, and restrictions will be in effect from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

EAV serves not only city routes but also suburban lines, including popular tourist routes.

What this means:

- Service disruptions on lines leading to suburbs and resort areas

- Reduced frequency of trips even outside of strike hours

- Overcrowding on public transport before and after the announced strike time

The second critical date is April 24, 2026, Milan. The strike is being organized by ATM, the company that manages the city’s entire public transportation system. The strike will take place from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM.

In Milan, the consequences may be even more severe, as ATM is responsible for the metro (all lines), buses, and trams.

In practice, this means:

- Partial or complete suspension of the metro during the day

- Major delays in ground transportation

- Overcrowded taxis and a significant increase in demand for them

It is important to understand: even if the strike lasts only a few hours, transportation does not resume immediately. Disruptions may continue for several hours after the strike ends.

In our previous article, we provided a detailed account of the introduction of a tourist tax in Venice starting in April 2026.

Ferry strikes: risks for travel to Sicily

In April, disruptions will affect not only air and urban transport but also maritime transport. This is critical for those planning trips between the islands and mainland Italy.

Key date – April 17, 2026. A strike is scheduled for this day in the passenger ferry sector.

The greatest impact is expected on the following routes:

- Between Sicily and the mainland

- Popular tourist destinations from ports in southern Italy

Possible consequences:

- Cancellation of some trips

- Significant departure delays

- Last-minute schedule changes

It is especially important to note that ferries are often used not only by tourists but also by locals for daily commutes. Because of this, even a partial strike could result in:

- Overcrowding on available trips

- Ticket shortages

- Delays throughout the day

Another consideration is the lack of alternatives. Unlike cities, where you can take a taxi or walk, there are far fewer options when it comes to islands. Flights may be the only alternative, but they are also at risk due to strikes and aviation restrictions.

Earlier, we wrote about the best beach destinations in Europe to visit as early as late spring.

What should tourists consider before traveling?

The series of strikes in April could affect several modes of transportation at once, so planning a trip to Italy during this period requires extra caution. It’s important not only to know the dates but also to understand how to minimize risks.

What to do before your trip:

1. Check flight status 24 hours before departure—delays are possible even outside of strike hours

2. Avoid connecting flights on strike days (April 10, 13, 17, 24)—any disruption could derail your entire itinerary

3. Allow extra travel time—especially in Milan and Naples

4. Book alternative transportation in advance—trains or transfers can fill up quickly

5. Have a “Plan B”—a different flight, a different city, or even a change in travel dates

It’s also worth noting that strike dates may change or be canceled at the last minute as a result of negotiations. Therefore, even a few days before your trip, the situation may look different.