Italy is heading into the core holiday weeks with a packed strike calendar that touches almost every part of its transport system. An updated strike calendar published in early December warns of rolling industrial action across multiple travel modes from 9 to 24 December. This includes a nationwide general strike on 12 December and a four-hour national air-traffic stoppage on 17 December, disruptions timed just as millions prepare for Christmas trips.

Local transit networks in cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence and Bolzano have already been hit by 24-hour and partial walkouts, while a 48-hour ferry strike from 9–11 December is targeting routes to Sardinia and Sicily. To cap it off, rail unions have called a separate nationwide train strike for 23 December, traditionally one of the busiest getaway days of the year.

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December Strike Calendar Highlights

  • Dec 9 – Local transport strikes: Rome’s ATAC transit network (buses, trams, metro) was crippled by a 24-hour strike on December 9th. In Bolzano, a four-hour public transport stoppage the same day disrupted late-afternoon bus service. Other city transit systems in Milan, Naples and Florence face similar actions during the month.
  • Dec 9–11 – Ferry strike: Maritime staff at Tirrenia CIN and Moby Lines launched a 48-hour national ferry strike from 3:00 PM on Dec 9 until 3:00 PM on Dec 11. This is causing cancellations on ferry routes connecting mainland Italy with Sardinia, Sicily and other islands.
  • Dec 12 – General strike: A multi-sector general strike on Friday, Dec 12 (called by Italy’s largest union, CGIL) will run nearly all day, from 00:01 until 9:00 PM. Transport is at the center of this protest. Rail services nationwide are expected to largely shut down as workers walk off the job, with only minimal “guaranteed” trains during Italy’s mandated peak-hour windows. Major city public transport may also see significant reductions as many local transit employees join the strike. While flights are not officially part of the 12 Dec action, knock-on effects are likely (e.g. airport buses or trains not running, port operations slowing).
  • Dec 17 – Aviation strikes: Air travel faces a coordinated wave of strikes on Wednesday, Dec 17. For four hours (1 PM–5 PM), multiple groups will stop work: air-traffic controllers at ENAV’s Rome control center, airport ground handling crews, and staff from several airlines (including ITA Airways, Vueling, Air France-KLM and EasyJet). This mid-afternoon walkout is expected to delay or cancel many flights across Italy’s airports despite legal protections for certain time slots. Even flights outside the 1–5 PM window may see cascading delays into the evening as schedules recover.
  • Dec 23 – National rail strike: Right before Christmas, a national train strike is scheduled on Tuesday, Dec 23. Coming at the height of holiday travel, this strike threatens to paralyze intercity and regional rail lines on one of the year’s peak travel days. Details on timing are still being confirmed, but passengers should anticipate day-long disruptions and crowded alternatives as many Italians head home for the holidays.

Disruption Likelihood (Next 24–48 Hours)

High. In the immediate term, the nationwide general strike on 12 December is expected to cause major travel disruption across Italy. With rail staff striking from midnight to 9 PM and many local transit workers joining in, travelers should be prepared for widespread train cancellations and minimal metro or bus service in cities.

Even before the general strike, local stoppages in Rome and other cities have already been impacting buses, trams and metro services this week. If you are arriving in Italy around this time, assume irregular schedules and build extra time into all transfers. The 12th will likely be the most challenging day – essentially a nationwide transport freeze – so plan accordingly for delays or alternate transportation.

Affected Regions and Travelers

The strike wave spans nearly the entire country, affecting everything from city buses to cross-country trains. Major urban centers like Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence and others will see local public transport walkouts, hitting commuters and tourists trying to get around town.

At the same time, national infrastructure is impacted: the Dec 12 general strike will disrupt rail service nationwide, and the Dec 23 rail strike threatens both regional and long-distance routes at a critical travel time. Ferry connections to island regions (Sardinia, Sicily, Elba, etc.) are also in the crosshairs during the 9–11 Dec strike, potentially stranding or delaying travelers bound for the islands.

Meanwhile, the aviation strike on 17 Dec is nationwide in scope – although centered on Rome’s air-control region, it will ripple out to airports across Italy as airline crews and ground staff walk off the job.

In short, anyone traveling in Italy mid-December could feel the effects. Tourists relying on trains between cities, ferries to the islands, or budget airlines on the affected dates are particularly exposed to itinerary upheavals. Even travelers who aren’t directly on a strike-affected route may face second-order problems – for example, if you’re flying on Dec 12, your flight might operate, but reaching the airport could be difficult with limited public transport.

Regions across Italy are bracing for disruption, from the far north (Bolzano’s localized strike) to the southern islands, so no area is entirely immune. The coordinated nature of these strikes in the same period is unusual, making the overall impact more severe as alternatives (like taking a later train or different airline) might also be constrained.

Why Travelers Should Care

Strikes are a fact of life in Italy, but this December’s cluster is hitting at the worst possible time – exactly when many visitors have holiday trips booked. To avoid ruining your travel plans, it’s critical to stay informed and proactive:

  • Check strike dates against your itinerary: Carefully review Italy’s strike schedule for any overlap with your planned travel days. If a major strike falls on the day you intended to move between cities or fly, try to adjust your plans (e.g. travel a day earlier or later if possible).
  • Favor protected services and off-peak travel: During strikes, certain “guaranteed” minimum services are mandated by law – for example, some trains or flights in early morning and late evening must run even during a work stoppage. Likewise, key airport rail links like Rome’s Leonardo Express often continue during local transit strikes. Opt for these if you must travel on a strike day, and aim for morning or late evening departures on 17 Dec when flying (to avoid the 1–5 PM shutdown).
  • Book flexible or refundable tickets: Given the uncertainty, use fares that allow changes or refunds. Travel advisors recommend securing refundable bookings and tracking official updates (the Italian Transport Ministry maintains an online strike calendar). This way, if your train is cancelled or your flight severely delayed, you can rearrange without heavy penalties. Both major train operators (Trenitalia and Italo) will refund tickets for cancelled trains, and airlines typically offer rebooking if a flight is axed due to strikes.
  • Build in extra time and expect crowds: On strike days, whatever limited services remain will be busy. Trains that do run may be packed to capacity , and roads can clog with traffic as more people drive or take taxis. Give yourself lots of leeway to get places – arrive at stations early, and don’t plan tight connections. If your journey is essential, have a backup plan (like knowing the next available train or an alternate route). As one travel bulletin put it: if your schedule isn’t flexible, “build in lots of extra time and have a backup plan for every leg of your journey.”.

Ultimately, travelers with Italian plans in mid to late December should pay close attention. This wave of strikes is unusually dense and widely coordinated, meaning that it can disrupt virtually any mode of transportation.

The strikes coincide with peak holiday travel, so the stakes are higher – it’s not just commuters but also families and tourists trying to reach Christmas destinations. By knowing the strike calendar and preparing accordingly, you can hopefully minimize the headaches and still enjoy your Italian holiday despite the turmoil. Safe travels, and buon Natale!

FAQ

Q1. What are the major strike dates in Italy in December?
Key dates include December 9 to 11 for a national ferry strike, December 12 for a general strike, December 17 for an aviation strike, and December 23 for a nationwide rail strike.

Q2. Will trains run on December 12 and December 23?
Only legally mandated guaranteed trains will operate during morning and evening commuter windows. Most regional and long distance services will be canceled or heavily reduced.

Q3. How will the aviation strike on December 17 affect flights?
Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., air traffic control and ground handling staff will stop work. Travelers should expect delays, cancellations, and schedule disruptions lasting into the evening.

Q4. Is public transport in Rome and Milan affected?
Yes. Both cities will see 24 hour and partial walkouts that affect buses, trams, and metro lines throughout December.

Q5. What ferry routes are impacted?
Routes to Sardinia, Sicily, and various smaller islands operated by Tirrenia CIN and Moby Lines were affected by a 48 hour national strike from December 9 to 11.

Q6. How bad will travel disruption be on December 12?
Severe. The general strike will cause widespread rail shutdowns and major interruptions across local transport networks.

Q7. Are any services guaranteed to run during strikes?
Yes. Italy requires a minimum level of protected service during early morning and early evening commuter periods. Exact availability varies by operator.

Q8. Will flights be affected on December 12?
Flights are not part of the December 12 general strike, but transport links to airports may be limited, which can complicate reaching the airport.

Q9. What should travelers do if they must travel during a strike?
Use refundable or flexible tickets, plan travel during protected hours, allow extra time, and check official updates from the Italian Transport Ministry and rail operators.

Q10. Should travelers consider changing their holiday dates?
If possible, yes. Adjusting travel to before or after strike periods significantly reduces the risk of delays and cancellations.