Ryanair

The upcoming nationwide general strike in Italy on March 8, 2025, is poised to cause significant disruptions across various sectors, notably air travel.

This strike, the third major industrial action affecting Italian airspace this year, is expected to impact not only domestic flights but also international routes connecting Italy to the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.​

Impact on Flights to the Middle East

Several European airlines operating flights between Italy and Middle Eastern destinations have adjusted their schedules in response to the strike:​

  • Lufthansa Group: The German airline conglomerate, which includes carriers such as Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines, had previously suspended flights to Tel Aviv and other Middle Eastern destinations due to regional tensions. While some services have resumed, the upcoming Italian strike may lead to further adjustments or cancellations. ​
  • British Airways: The UK flag carrier had suspended flights to Tel Aviv until the end of March 2025 due to safety concerns. Passengers planning to transit through Italy to Middle Eastern destinations should verify the status of their flights. ​

Impact on Flights to Asia

The strike’s repercussions extend to flights connecting Italy with various Asian countries:​

  • Cathay Pacific: The Hong Kong-based airline had canceled flights to Tel Aviv until March 27, 2025, due to regional instability. Travelers connecting through Italy to Asian destinations should anticipate potential delays or cancellations. ​
  • Singapore Airlines: While the airline continues operations to European destinations, including Italy, the strike may result in schedule modifications. Passengers are advised to check for real-time updates.​

Impact on Flights to the United States

Transatlantic flights between Italy and the United States are also susceptible to disruptions:​

  • Delta Air Lines: The U.S. carrier had paused flights between New York City and Tel Aviv due to regional conflicts. Flights connecting the U.S. and Italy may experience delays or cancellations during the strike period.
  • United Airlines: United had suspended flights to Tel Aviv indefinitely. Travelers planning to fly between Italy and the U.S. should monitor their flight statuses closely. ​

Recommendations for Affected Passengers

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check official airline communications and reputable news sources for the latest updates on flight statuses.​
  • Contact Airlines: Reach out directly to your airline for information on rebooking options, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements.​
  • Consider Alternative Routes: If feasible, explore flights that bypass Italy during the strike period to minimize potential disruptions.​
  • Review Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers cancellations or delays resulting from strikes and related events.​

The Italian general strike on March 8, 2025, underscores the importance of proactive planning and staying informed to navigate potential travel challenges effectively.

Impact on Major Airlines Flying to Italy

  • British Airways: Operating multiple daily flights to Rome, Milan, and Venice, British Airways is expected to face widespread disruptions.
  • easyJet: With direct connections from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh to Italian cities, easyJet flights will be affected by cancellations and delays.
  • Ryanair: One of the largest budget airlines in Europe, Ryanair’s extensive network to Italy, including flights to Rome, Naples, and Florence, will be impacted.

Tentatively Impacted Airports in Italy Due to the March 8, 2025, Strike

The nationwide strike in Italy on March 8, 2025, is expected to significantly disrupt air travel across the country.

The following airports are likely to be impacted by delays, cancellations, and operational slowdowns:

Major International Airports Affected:

  1. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – Italy’s busiest airport, handling most international flights, including those from the UK, US, Middle East, and Asia.
  2. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – A key hub for long-haul and European flights, including British Airways, easyJet, and Lufthansa routes.
  3. Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – Primarily serving domestic and European routes; flights to London, Paris, and Frankfurt may be affected.
  4. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – A major airport for leisure travelers and international connections, with flights from Ryanair, British Airways, and KLM.
  5. Naples International Airport (NAP) – Affected due to significant tourist and business travel routes within Europe.
  6. Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) – Likely to face delays, particularly on domestic and short-haul European flights.
  7. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – A major hub for Ryanair and other budget airlines connecting Italy with Europe.

Regional Airports Potentially Affected:

  1. Turin Airport (TRN) – Serving Northern Italy, with connections to France, Spain, and the UK.
  2. Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) – A critical airport in Sicily, impacted by domestic and European travel disruptions.
  3. Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) – Likely delays due to disruptions in domestic flights within Italy.
  4. Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) – Affected due to its connections to European and Middle Eastern destinations.
  5. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) – A smaller international airport likely to experience cascading delays.
  6. Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) – Serving Tuscany, with flights to and from the UK, Germany, and Spain.
  7. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) – Important for domestic connections and flights from European budget airlines.

Key Travel Disruptions and Alternative Options

The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has designated specific protected time slots from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, during which some flights may still operate.

However, flights outside these hours could face severe delays or cancellations.

Passengers are advised to consider alternative airports outside of Italy, such as Nice (France) or Zurich (Switzerland), and take train connections to their Italian destinations.

Upcoming Strikes and Travel Warnings

  • March 16, 2025: A 24-hour baggage handler strike and a separate four-hour air traffic control walkout (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) will further disrupt flights.
  • March 7, 18, and 19, 2025: Strikes affecting Italian rail services could complicate travel plans.

Passenger Rights and Airline Advisory

  • Compensation Rules: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation only if the airline is directly responsible for the disruption. Since strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances, airlines are not legally required to compensate affected travelers.
  • Rebooking & Refunds: Airlines must offer either a full refund or an alternative flight, including rerouting with another carrier if necessary.

Official Travel Advisories

  • UK Foreign Travel Advice for Italy: Provides the latest updates on travel disruptions.
  • European Passenger Rights: Details compensation rules for flight cancellations and delays.
  • Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC): Offers real-time updates on affected flights and air travel policies.

Final Recommendations for Travelers

  • Stay Updated: Check with airlines frequently for schedule changes and alternative flights.
  • Book Smart: Avoid flying through Italy on strike days. Consider traveling before March 7 or after March 20 for smoother journeys.
  • Use Alternative Routes: If postponing is not an option, fly into a nearby country and take a train to Italy.

The March 8 strike is another reminder of the challenges faced by travelers navigating Italy’s ongoing industrial actions.

Passengers flying into or out of these airports on March 8, 2025 should check with their airlines for real-time updates and consider alternative travel routes to avoid disruptions.

Those flying with British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair should plan ahead, stay informed, and explore alternative options to minimize disruptions.

The post British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair flights disrupted: TTW’s exclusive report on Italy’s nationwide strike and international airports’ updates appeared first on Travel And Tour World.