Will Italy airline strikes hit Olympic travel?

What to expect if airline staff walk out during the Milan Games

A wave of industrial action by airline staff at multiple carriers — including national and low-cost operators — has been scheduled to coincide with the Winter Olympic period. The strikes are likely to cause flight cancellations and delays around Milan and elsewhere in Italy, with one report estimating as many as 27,000 passengers could be affected on the key strike day.

For travelers headed to events, ceremonies or time-sensitive bookings, the disruption matters because replacement capacity is limited around a major international event. Alternate flights will fill quickly, surface transport options may be constrained, and hotel and local transport networks can see knock-on effects if large groups arrive or depart at the same time.

Practical steps to protect a trip

• Check your airline’s messages and the official flight status page frequently; airlines often publish strike-related policies and timelines.
• Contact the carrier immediately if your flight is scheduled on a strike day to learn about rebooking, refunds, or vouchers.
• Consider flexible alternatives: earlier or later flights, nearby airports, or rail if connections exist and schedules permit.
• Confirm any tight onward connections or event tickets — plan extra time and have contingency plans if a segment is missed.
• Review insurance and credit-card protections for strike-related cancellations; some policies cover unavoidable industrial action while others do not.

What to watch next

Airlines and unions sometimes amend strike dates or negotiate last-minute deals, so the situation can shift quickly. If you must travel during the Games, build in buffer time, keep documents and receipts for any extra costs, and maintain regular contact with your carrier for updates.