For travelers with plans to visit Italy in early 2026, the landscape of air and rail transport is proving to be anything but tranquil. A wave of nationwide strikes, initially slated to disrupt hundreds of flights and train journeys this February, has been postponed—though not canceled—offering only a temporary reprieve for those hoping to glide through Italian airports and train stations without a hitch. The story, according to multiple reports including The Times and other European outlets, is one of mounting industrial action, shifting travel schedules, and a flurry of new regulations that are catching even seasoned travelers off guard.
It all began with a planned 24-hour strike by Italy’s aviation sector, which was set for 16 February 2026. The timing could not have been worse: the strike threatened to throw a wrench into the travel plans of thousands, particularly those heading to the Winter Olympics. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stepped in, blocking the strike and citing the need to guarantee mobility during what he called an “event of global importance.” As a result, the strike has been rescheduled for 26 February 2026, narrowly sidestepping the Olympic chaos but leaving travelers to wonder whether their journeys will be any smoother a week later.
But the troubles don’t end there. Another major strike looms on the horizon for 7 March 2026, this time involving ENAV, Italy’s national air traffic control provider. This industrial action could disrupt travel during the Paralympics, compounding anxieties for athletes, fans, and holidaymakers alike. Meanwhile, rail workers from Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), Italy’s state railway, have announced their own 24-hour walkout, scheduled to begin at 9pm on Friday, 27 February and conclude at 8:59pm on Saturday, 28 February. The strike is expected to impact regional, high-speed Frecce, and Intercity trains, though some guaranteed services will remain operational during the morning and evening rush hours (6am-9am and 6pm-9pm).
The aviation strikes are far-reaching, involving staff from flagship carrier ITA Airways as well as pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff from Vueling, easyJet, Airport Handling, and ALHA. Major airports—including Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, and Verona Valerio Catullo—could see significant disruptions. Italian aviation law does provide for certain guaranteed time slots, but the expectation is that tens of thousands of passengers will feel the effects, with potential cancellations and delays rippling out before and after the official strike days.
For travelers, the uncertainty is compounded by the reality that airlines often reserve the right to alter flight times, sometimes drastically. This was keenly felt by David Leigh, a passenger in his 70s who booked flights to Verona for June 2026 with easyJet. Leigh and his companion paid just over £900 for two premium seats with luggage, only to be informed months later that their departure time had been moved forward by a staggering 11 hours—from a comfortable 17:30 to a bleary-eyed 06:40. As Leigh explained to The Times, “We cannot do this flight: we are in our 70s and 80s and we never book early morning flights.”
EasyJet’s policy, as clarified in the same report, allows passengers to request a free rebooking or a full refund if their flight time changes by more than three hours. However, Leigh’s initial request for a refund was denied, despite the policy. After the matter was escalated, easyJet reversed its decision and apologized for the confusion. “While we initially advised Mr Leigh of his options to rebook for free or request a refund in line with our policy, we are sorry for the incorrect advice he later received when he contacted us and the inconvenience caused. We have been in touch with him to apologise for the experience and refund him,” an easyJet spokesperson said.
This episode highlights a broader truth about air travel: while passengers might assume their booking confirmation guarantees a specific departure time, airlines’ terms and conditions often state otherwise. There are no universal rules dictating what constitutes a significant enough change to warrant a refund or alternative arrangements, leaving many travelers at the mercy of company policies and, sometimes, the persistence of consumer advocates.
Travelers with dual nationality are facing their own set of evolving challenges. As of 26 February 2026, UK entry rules for dual nationals have tightened. Any dual national with a British passport must enter the UK using that document, or else carry a certificate of entitlement proving their right to live in the UK. This change, as noted by The Times, means that travelers should use their British passport for both legs of a UK-bound journey, even if they intend to return to another country on a different passport. The situation is expected to grow even more complex with the forthcoming introduction of the Etias visa waiver scheme for non-EU travelers at the end of the year. Airline systems, including British Airways’, currently lack the functionality to handle two passports on a single booking, a technical gap that advocacy groups like the3million have been raising with both airlines and the UK Home Office, so far without resolution.
Amid all this turbulence, some travelers are simply looking for straightforward advice. For those planning a safari honeymoon in July or August, Botswana and Zimbabwe remain top picks, with the Okavango Delta’s floodwaters at their peak and wildlife viewing at its best. While the fanciest camps may be out of reach for a £10,000 budget, there are still memorable options available, including guided safaris, river cruises, and bush walks. Meanwhile, visitors to Rome seeking authentic Italian cuisine are encouraged to explore the Trastevere district or boho Monti for traditional dishes and vibrant local atmospheres—just a short stroll from central hotels and iconic landmarks.
Families hoping for a summer getaway with mild temperatures are advised to consider Tenerife’s lush northeast, a region reminiscent of Madeira but with its own unique charm. With comfortable accommodations and a climate that rarely exceeds 30C in August, it’s an attractive alternative for those seeking sun without the swelter.
As the calendar inches toward late February and early March, travelers bound for Italy—or indeed, much of Europe—would do well to keep a close eye on strike developments, airline notifications, and policy changes. Whether it’s the unpredictability of industrial action, the shifting sands of airline schedules, or the tightening grip of border regulations, one thing is clear: in 2026, travel requires not just a ticket, but a healthy dose of patience and vigilance.
For now, the only certainty is that flexibility and up-to-date information are a traveler’s best allies in navigating the months ahead.