Strikes at Milan, Florence, and Pisa airports could impact 50,000 travelers

Travel disruptions are expected across several Italian airports on October 29 as strike action is planned by workers from airlines including KLM, Air France, and Vueling, along with airport staff. Reports indicate that up to 50,000 passengers could be impacted.

Airport employees at Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports, as well as Florence and Pisa airports, are expected to take part in the industrial action, as per foreign media.

The timing of the strikes varies among different groups. Air France and KLM ground staff will walk out between noon and 4 pm, while Vueling employees are scheduled to strike from 1 pm to 5 pm. Swissport and Dussmann workers, as well as staff at Milan Malpensa, Linate, Florence, and Pisa airports, will be on strike for the full 24 hours.

The industrial action by Air France, KLM, and Vueling is expected to be particularly disruptive because these carriers operate flights to more than a dozen popular destinations in Italy, including Milan, Rome, Florence, Catania, and Naples. Although Italian law mandates a minimum level of service during strikes, significant delays and cancellations are still anticipated.

Some of the striking workers are represented by the unions USB and CUB, which called for the action in protest against the Italian government’s 2026 budget bill.

Travel expert Ivalyo Danilov, CEO of SkyRefund, explained how passengers affected by the strikes could seek assistance from the airlines.

He noted that flight delays or cancellations resulting from strikes by airline staff, such as the expected walkouts by KLM, Air France, and Vueling, are generally considered to be within the airlines’ control. In such cases, airlines are responsible for compensating affected travellers. 

Passengers are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight, as well as support with accommodation and meals if they face an extended wait.

However, Danilov emphasised that not all delays or cancellations caused by strikes are automatically classified as being within the airlines’ control, which can affect eligibility for compensation.

Nevertheless, passengers should still receive a refund or an opportunity to rebook. 

He added that with multiple overlapping strikes, as expected in Italy, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of a delay or cancellation. He recommended using a compensation calculator to clarify what passengers may be owed and to make the process less confusing.

By Tamilla Hasanova