Italy braces for July transport strikes, Milan Malpensa flights at risk

A series of coordinated labour actions will hit Italy's transport sector throughout July 2026. Strikes are scheduled for rail freight (Db Cargo in Lombardy on 2 July), airport operations, airline crews, handling companies and local public‑transport operators. The most disruptive day is 5 July, when a 24‑hour walk‑out by ENAV controllers at Milan Malpensa, a national airport‑handling strike and an EasyJet crew strike are expected to affect up to 45,000 passengers nationwide. Additional protests are set for 6‑7 July, 9‑10 July, 15 July and a final wave on 23‑24 July, covering rail personnel, regional bus services and other airport staff.

The Malpensa shutdown could lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays, with the Italian civil‑aviation authority (ENAC) pledging protected time‑slots for flights that must operate. Passengers are advised to check flight status, arrive early and retain receipts for any extra expenses.

Consequences are already being felt: around 200 Sardinian travellers returning from a cancelled easyJet flight to Bordeaux were left to organise their own return to Cagliari, incurring personal costs and seeking refunds. The disruption underscores the broader impact of the July strike calendar on holiday travel across the country.