Italy moves nationwide aviation strike from 16 February to 26 February to protect Winter Olympics travel

Strike rescheduled: precise dates, operators and affected airports

The 24-hour national aviation strike that would have hit Italy on 16 February has been officially postponed to 26 February, following political intervention to preserve mobility during the Winter Olympics. The decision directly affects scheduled operations at hubs such as Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo und Verona Valerio Catullo.

Who is striking

• ITA Airways staff: 24-hour walkout from midnight.
• Unions representing pilots, flight attendants and ground staff from multiple airlines, including Vueling und easyJet.
• Ground handlers from Airport Handling und ALHA at Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa.
• ENAV (air traffic control) has a separate strike planned for 7 March.

Guaranteed service windows and likely disruptions

Italian aviation law mandates protected service slots: 07:00–10:00 und 18:00–21:00. Even so, tens of thousands of passengers could face cancellations or delays, and ripple effects often appear on the days immediately before and after industrial action.

Strike schedule overview

How airport and rail strikes affect taxis and transfers

When flights are cancelled or delayed, demand for ground transfers spikes. Local taxi fleets, private transfer companies and airport shuttle services face concentrated booking pressure around affected times, leading to longer waits, surge pricing and scarce availability of specific vehicle types (for example, a Private limousine or a 7-seater). For travellers who need an exact pickup time, pre-booking a reliable transfer is the best way to avoid last-minute hassle.

Practical steps for travellers at a glance

• Check your flight and rail status before leaving for the airport or station, and sign up for operator alerts.
• If you must be at an event at a fixed time, book a private transfer or taxi in advance to guarantee a seat and an exact pickup window.
• Consider flexible arrival times and extra buffer time for transfers, including possible rerouting between airports and stations.
• Confirm driver credentials and vehicle details—license, capacity, and fare—when booking.

Tips for booking transfers during strike-prone periods

Choose services that display make, model and driver ratings in advance; this reduces uncertainty over vehicle type (Private sedan, seater options, or limousine). Keep payment options ready in the app and confirm cancellation and waiting-time policies to avoid unexpected charges.

Rail strike specifics and alternatives

The FS rail strike begins at 21:00 on 27 February and ends at 20:59 on 28 February. Regional services, Frecce high-speed trains and Intercity lines may all be affected; guaranteed regional time windows are 06:00–09:00 und 18:00–21:00. Where trains are reduced, many travellers will switch to intercity buses, taxis or private transfers for critical links between city centers and airports.

Key advice for booking airport transfers

• Book transfers with providers who allow vehicle selection so you can secure an exact car and seat layout.
• Compare fares and total price (including waiting and luggage surcharges) to avoid surprises.
• Opt for verified drivers and licensed companies when possible; this lowers risk and improves punctuality.

Highlights: the new strike dates and overlapping rail action could cause concentrated travel pressure around late February and early March, affecting holidaymakers and Olympic attendees alike. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide. Book your Ride LokaleFahrt.de

In summary, travellers should expect potential disruptions at major Italian airports and on rail services in late February and early March, so allow extra time to get from city to destination, airport or station. Book transfers early to secure the exact service, vehicle and driver you prefer—be it a taxi, Private car, seater or limousine—and compare fares, prices and app-based options to know how much you’ll pay. Using platforms that show car make, model, license and driver ratings helps you get the best service at a fair price. LocalsRide.com supports this approach by offering transparent, global booking of transfers, trips and deliveries—helping you book with confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises when time and location matter most.