Flights across Italy have been severely impacted due to a combination of nationwide strikes and a fire at Ciampino Airport on Wednesday morning.
In preparation for the planned strikes, several Italian airports began cancelling flights on Tuesday. However, a new disruption occurred at Ciampino Airport when a small fire broke out early Wednesday morning. This led to the suspension of all air traffic at the airport, which is primarily used by budget airlines such as Ryanair.
The fire broke out in a technical room at the base of the airport’s control tower. The National Air Traffic Assistance Agency (NAV), which manages Italian air traffic, confirmed the fire had been put out, though the cause remains unclear. Fortunately, there was no damage to any vital equipment in the control tower. The incident has added to the ongoing travel chaos caused by a nationwide strike involving airport handling staff.
In addition to the strike at airports, other forms of transport in Italy have been affected. Trains and public transport in Milan and the wider Lombardy region are disrupted by a 23-hour strike organized by the Orsa Ferrovie union. This strike is the result of unresolved disputes concerning labor regulations and financial compensation.
A nationwide strike led by airport handling staff has canceled flights at major airports across the country, including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Catania, and Venice. ITA Airways, which has also had to cancel international flights, has advised passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
“Handling staff from companies associated with Italy’s largest aviation association, Assohandlers, have walked out for 24 hours due to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions. The unions are demanding better working hours, higher wages, and more benefits for ground staff,” a union representative stated.
As well as flight cancellations, passengers should expect possible delays in receiving their luggage at their destination. The disruptions are similar to those seen during previous strikes, such as the Belgium strike in January, which also impacted airport logistics.
Lombardy’s regional train services are also disrupted, including regional, suburban, airport, and long-distance trains. Trenord, the regional railway company, has announced that in case airport shuttle trains are canceled, buses will be provided to transport passengers between Milan Cadorna and Malpensa Airport.
