National Aviation Strike Set to Disrupt Italian Air Travel on Feb 26

A 24-hour national aviation strike is scheduled to cause significant Italian air travel disruption on Thursday, February 26th, impacting major carriers and airports across the country. The industrial action, called by several prominent trade unions, involves pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. Italy's flag carrier, ITA Airways, has announced the cancellation of approximately 55% of its scheduled flights for the day in response to the strike.

The widespread action is expected to affect services at key hubs, including Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Milan Linate (LIN). The Italy aviation strike on February 26 involves staff from multiple airlines, with confirmed participation from low-cost carriers easyJet and Vueling. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before traveling.

Scope of the Industrial Action

The strike is scheduled to last for 24 hours, beginning at 00:01 and concluding at 23:59 local time. The action is backed by a coalition of Italian trade unions representing various sectors of the aviation workforce. Participating organizations include FILT-CGIL (Federazione Italiana Lavoratori Trasporti), FIT-CISL (Federazione Italiana Trasporti), UILTrasporti (Unione Italiana dei Lavoratori dei Trasporti), and UGL-TA (Unione Generale del Lavoro - Trasporto Aereo). Pilot and flight crew unions such as ANPAC (Associazione Nazionale Professionale Aviazione Civile) and ANP (Associazione Nazionale Piloti) are also taking part.

Union federation statements cite ongoing disputes over wages, persistent staffing shortages, and unsatisfactory working conditions as the primary reasons for the strike. The coordinated effort underscores deep-seated tensions within the Italian aviation sector, particularly during the ongoing transition period following the replacement of Alitalia with the state-owned ITA Airways.

Operational Impact and Passenger Rights

The impact on flight schedules is substantial. ITA Airways' decision to cancel 55% of its domestic and international flights represents the single largest disruption. Other airlines have also been forced to adjust their operations. EasyJet has published a notice on its latest travel information page confirming the strike and warning of potential cancellations and delays for flights to and from Italy.

Under Italian law, a minimum number of flights are protected during strikes to ensure essential connectivity. These

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