Italy’s first major transport strike of 2026 will affect travel between January 5 and 11, with the biggest disruptions expected on January 8, 9, and 10. Buses, commuter trains, national rail services, and flights may face delays or cancellations.
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How public transport works in Italy
Italy does not have one single public transport system. City buses, trams, and metros are managed by local companies that operate only in specific cities or regions, as you can read in this article.
Commuter trains around large cities often belong to regional operators, not the national rail company. Long-distance and most regional trains belong to Trenitalia, which is part of the FS Group. Airports depend on airlines but also on separate private companies that handle check-in, baggage, boarding, and ground operations. Because of this structure, strikes usually involve specific companies rather than all transport services at once.
January 8: local buses, trams, and commuter trains
On Thursday, January 8, several local transport companies will strike.
- TUA Spa, which operates buses across the Abruzzo region including Pescara, Chieti, and Teramo, will reduce or stop bus services for part of the day.
- SASA, the company that runs city buses in Bolzano, will also suspend service during strike hours.
- In the Naples area, EAV, the regional company that operates the Circumvesuviana and Vesuviane commuter rail lines, plans a 24-hour strike. These trains connect Naples with destinations such as Pompeii and Sorrento, so most local rail services in the area will not run except for limited guaranteed trips.
January 9: flights and airports
On Friday, January 9, air travel will face disruption.
Some airline staff from EasyJet and Vueling will strike, which may lead to flight delays or cancellations, especially on short-haul European routes. In addition, workers from airport ground service companies will stop work at several major airports, including Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa. These companies handle check-in desks, baggage loading, boarding assistance, and aircraft ground services. Even if an airline does not strike, flights may still face delays because ground staff are not available.
January 10: national and regional trains
On Saturday, January 10, an eight-hour national rail strike will affect train travel across Italy.
Trenitalia, which operates high-speed and most regional trains, will reduce service during strike hours. RFI, the company that manages rail infrastructure such as tracks, signals, and stations, will also take part. When infrastructure staff stop work, trains may not run even if crews are available. Some trains will operate during legally protected time slots, usually early in the morning and in the evening, but many services will be cancelled or delayed. Keep you updated on Trenitalia website.
What travelers should expect
Air passengers should expect possible delays, longer airport procedures, and last-minute cancellations, especially at large hubs. Train passengers should expect fewer trains and limited options outside guaranteed hours. Local transport users in affected cities may find no buses or trams during strike periods. Checking official company websites and planning alternative routes in advance can help reduce problems during this strike week.
