Italy Ground-Handling Strike Hits All Major Airports on June 26, Expected to Cause 38-40% Flight Cancellations
A nationwide 24-hour ground-handling strike called by CUB Trasporti hit every Italian airport on June 26, 2026, with no protected service windows—the first time in years—expected to disrupt travel for major European and US carriers.
Strike Details
A nationwide 24-hour ground-handling strike called by CUB Trasporti runs the full clock on Friday, June 26, hitting every Italian airport with no protected service windows for the first time in years.
Expected Impact
On comparable strike days in September 2025 and February 2026, cancellation rates ran 38–40 percent of the daily schedule. The lack of protected service windows means even essential flights face disruption.
Affected Airports
Affected airports include Rome FCO, Milan MXP and LIN, Venice VCE, Naples NAP, Bologna BLQ, Bari, Catania, Palermo, Cagliari, and every other Italian field.
Affected Airlines
The most exposed carriers are Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, British Airways, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa among European operators. Major long-haul carriers caught in the same window include Delta, United, American, Emirates, and Air Canada.
Union Demands
The strike was called by CUB Trasporti, an Italian transport workers' union, over labor and employment conditions. The complete stoppage of ground handling—including baggage, ramp, and passenger services—makes it impossible for airlines to operate flights regardless of crew availability.