Lufthansa Deal Clears Final EU Review, Bringing ITA Into Group

ITA Airways passengers are bracing for major disruption in Italy this week as nationwide labor strikes are set to affect air travel, alongside rail and local transportation, with key dates centered on Feb. 26 through Feb. 28.

Multiple travel industry reports and Italian outlets have warned that a 24-hour aviation strike is expected to hit major Italian airport hubs on Feb. 26, with additional nationwide work stoppages planned across other transport sectors in the following days. ITA Airways is among the carriers flagged in advisories as travelers plan trips to, from, or within Italy during the strike window.

The expected impact includes flight delays and cancellations at airports that serve as critical gateways for domestic and international travel. Travelers have also been cautioned to prepare for broader mobility problems beyond airports, with rail service and local transit disruptions anticipated as part of the wider set of strikes slated for the same week.

For ITA Airways, the disruption comes at a time when passenger schedules can quickly cascade across the network, because delays at major hubs can affect aircraft rotations and crew scheduling for flights throughout the day. Even when flights operate, ground handling slowdowns and reduced staffing can lengthen check-in, security, and boarding processes, adding pressure to airport operations and customer service channels.

This matters for travelers and the aviation industry because Italy is a major European air market and an important connection point for international routes. Disruptions at Rome and other key hubs can ripple across European networks, especially for passengers relying on tight connections. The strikes also raise the risk of last-minute itinerary changes for business travelers, tourists, and families with fixed schedules.

Separately, broader European flight disruptions have already left travelers stranded across multiple countries, with reports citing cancellations and delays affecting several airlines, including ITA Airways, across airports such as Paris, Amsterdam, Geneva, and Istanbul. While those disruptions are not necessarily linked to Italy’s strike actions, they add to a challenging travel environment for passengers moving through Europe.

What happens next will depend on the duration and scope of the strike actions and how airlines and airports manage operations during the affected period. Travelers scheduled to fly ITA Airways during the Feb. 26–28 window should monitor official airline and airport communications for updates on flight status and any rebooking or accommodation instructions as the strike days approach.

With air, rail, and local transit disruptions all expected in the same week, Italy’s travel network is facing a high-stakes test that could leave many passengers scrambling to adjust plans on short notice.