Travelers, athletes, and business leaders across Italy breathed a collective sigh of relief this week after the Italian government intervened to halt a nationwide airport strike that threatened to paralyze air traffic during the final stretch of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The move, announced just hours before the planned walkout on February 16, 2026, underscores the high-stakes balancing act between safeguarding public events and protecting workers’ rights—a tension that remains unresolved as unions warn of further action later this month.
On February 15, political tensions reached a fever pitch when Transport Minister Matteo Salvini took to the airwaves with a blunt warning: he would personally “stop them myself” if aviation unions proceeded with their 24-hour strike. According to VisaHQ, the planned industrial action—backed by six unions, including CGIL’s transport arm and the independent Cub Trasporti—was set to disrupt hundreds of flights and strand Olympic delegations, tourists, and business travelers alike. The pressure was immense: with Italy hosting the world for the Winter Games, the prospect of chaos at major hubs like Milan, Rome, and Venice was simply unthinkable.
In a dramatic turn, emergency talks were convened at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The government invoked a precettazione order under Article 8 of Law 146/1990, Italy’s version of ‘minimum service’ legislation, effectively forcing unions to postpone their walkout. By nightfall, the unions had agreed to a face-saving deal: the strike would be shifted to February 26, narrowly avoiding a direct clash with the Olympics’ closing week—but not eliminating the threat altogether.
For travelers, the immediate danger had passed. Data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, showed that 314 ITA flights alone were scheduled for February 16. Milan-Linate and Venice-Marco Polo airports had projected a staggering 60% cancellation rate if the strike had gone ahead, according to VisaHQ. The ripple effects would have been felt far beyond the tarmac, disrupting not only Olympic delegations but also the influx of visitors for Milan Fashion Week, the Carnival break, and other high-profile events.
Yet, as the dust settled, it became clear that the dispute was far from over. The unions, frustrated by stalled collective bargaining for some 50,000 aviation workers, accused the government of heavy-handed tactics. Maurizio Landini, a prominent union leader, did not mince words: “Limiting the right to strike sets a dangerous precedent, especially with collective bargaining for 50,000 aviation workers still stalled.” He described the government’s intervention as “repression,” warning that the fight for wage adjustments and work-life balance—issues exacerbated by pandemic-era cost-cutting—was only just beginning.
Italian aviation law, designed to minimize disruption, mandates guaranteed service windows from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Even so, a nationwide strike would have thrown schedules into disarray, with only skeleton crews operating during those protected hours. The unions’ grievances run deep: wage stagnation, increased workloads, and the erosion of benefits since the pandemic have all fueled discontent among pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff. According to Travel Radar, the strike would have hit Italy’s tourism sector hard, impacting not just Olympic visitors but also the broader economy during one of its busiest periods.
For international delegations and business travelers, the uncertainty is far from over. VisaHQ notes that with the new strike date looming—February 26, coinciding with peak Paralympic arrivals—and another walkout penciled in for March 7, flexibility is key. Travel managers are being urged to keep automated flight trackers running, issue flexible-ticket guidance, and ensure that mobile employees are aware of Italy’s statutory compensation rules under Regulation EC 261/2004. In a world where last-minute itinerary changes are the norm, having travel documents in order is just as crucial as monitoring flight status. VisaHQ’s platform, for instance, offers fast-track visa and passport services to help athletes, media teams, and corporate staff stay agile when schedules shift unexpectedly.
The government’s intervention has sparked a broader policy debate as well. Salvini has floated the idea of amending strike laws to create a “golden period” during mega-events—essentially a blackout window when strikes would be forbidden. The proposal takes inspiration from French laws enacted during the Paris 2024 Games and could have long-term implications for future events, such as Expo 2030 in Rome. The aim, according to Salvini, is to guarantee mobility and minimize disruption during times of national significance. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to protect Italy’s international reputation and economic interests. Critics, however, worry that limiting the right to strike—even temporarily—risks undermining fundamental labor protections.
“From a policy standpoint, Salvini has floated amending strike law to create a ‘golden period’ during mega-events—a proposal that would echo French provisions during the Paris 2024 Games and could have a lasting impact on mobility planning for Expo 2030 in Rome,” VisaHQ reported. The debate has already drawn sharp lines between those prioritizing the smooth running of global events and those defending workers’ rights to collective action.
Behind the scenes, the stakes remain high for airlines and travel companies. The postponed strikes still threaten to disrupt the end of the Paralympics, a period when international arrivals are expected to peak. According to Travel Radar, the uncertainty has forced airlines like easyJet, Vueling, and ITA Airways to prepare contingency plans, with ground staff, pilots, and flight attendants all set to participate if negotiations break down. ENAC, Italy’s civil aviation authority, may prioritize Olympic traffic over private operations on strike days, making early slot requests essential for VIP or crew-change charters.
As the clock ticks down to the new strike date, union leaders are pressing for substantive progress at the bargaining table. Their demands are clear: meaningful wage adjustments, restored benefits, and a more sustainable work-life balance for aviation workers who have shouldered the brunt of pandemic-era austerity. The government, for its part, is walking a tightrope—seeking to avert travel chaos without appearing to trample on hard-won labor rights.
For now, Italy’s air travelers can breathe a little easier, knowing that flights will continue as scheduled—at least until February 26. But with both sides dug in and the world watching, the outcome of this high-profile standoff remains uncertain. The next few weeks will test not just the resilience of Italy’s aviation sector, but also the country’s ability to navigate the delicate intersection of public interest and workers’ rights—a challenge as complex and unpredictable as the skies themselves.