Friday 16 October 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most disrupted days in European aviation this year, with a wave of strikes across Italy hitting airlines, air traffic control and airports on the same day as the Leeds Bradford walkout in the UK.
What is happening in Italy
Several separate stoppages are planned for 16 October:
- A 24-hour strike by easyJet cabin crew in Italy, affecting all of the airline’s Italian flights from midnight to midnight. This hits popular UK routes including Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh to Italy
- A four-hour stoppage by ENAV air traffic controllers covering all Italian airspace from 1pm to 5pm, which will delay every airline flying to, from or over Italy that afternoon
- A 24-hour security staff strike at Venice Marco Polo Airport, affecting all departures and arrivals
- A 24-hour strike by airport staff in Tuscany, hitting Pisa and Florence
On top of that, a maritime strike in the Naples province on 15-16 October is expected to cut ferry links around the Campania region.
Why it matters for UK travellers
Italy is one of the most popular autumn destinations for UK holidaymakers, and 16 October falls just before the half-term getaway. Anyone flying between the UK and Italy that day faces an elevated risk of cancellations and long delays.
The combination with the Leeds Bradford Airport strike, which runs from 3am on 16 October to 6am on 18 October, makes this a genuinely difficult day for UK aviation. UK to Italy routes are effectively caught between disruption at both ends.
What to do if you are flying on 16 October
- Check your airline’s app and the easyJet strikes and disruptions page for the guaranteed services list
- The ENAV stoppage runs 1pm to 5pm, so morning flights to Italy stand a better chance than afternoon departures
- If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund or rerouting, plus meals, refreshments and accommodation if stranded
- Keep EU261 documentation for everything. Compensation claims may be disputed where air traffic control is involved, as ATC action can count as extraordinary circumstances, but airline crew strikes are a different matter and worth challenging
- Consider travelling on 15 or 17 October instead if your plans are flexible. Rebooking now, before the rush, gives you far more choice than waiting
Looking further ahead
October’s disruption does not end on the 16th. A five-day French crew strike follows from 17 to 21 October, and Naples Airport closes for the whole of November. If you are planning autumn travel to Europe, build flexibility into your bookings and keep travel insurance up to date.
