Correction and update to our Italy coverage of November 4: the air traffic control strike on Friday, November 6 is limited to Bari, not nationwide. The nationwide air traffic control stoppage is on Saturday, November 21.
November 5, 2026 — Our earlier report, based on a single outlet, described the November 6 action by staff of ENAV, Italy’s air navigation service, as nationwide. Italy’s official strike register, as reported by Napolike, and The Local Italy’s strike calendar both list it as a four-hour strike at Bari airport only.
Friday, November 6
- Who: ENAV staff at Bari airport, called by the FAST-Confsal union.
- When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time.
- Impact: The Local says it is unclear how far flights will be affected. We found no notice cancelling the strike.
Coming up
| Date | Who | Hours / details |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov. 6 | ENAV staff, Bari airport | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
| Mon, Nov. 9 | Italo staff (nationwide) | 8 hours, 9:01 a.m.–4:59 p.m.; train crews 2 a.m.–11:59 p.m. |
| Fri, Nov. 13 | Milan ATM transit; ATVO buses (Venice) | 24 hours; Milan guaranteed service 3 p.m.–6 p.m. |
| Fri, Nov. 20 – Sat, Nov. 21 | National general strike; rail unions | Rail 9 p.m. Fri to 8 p.m. Sat |
| Sat, Nov. 21 | ENAV air traffic staff (nationwide; FILT-CGIL, UGL-TA) | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
| Sun, Nov. 22 | ENAV at Milan Malpensa; security staff at Venice Marco Polo | 24 hours from midnight |
Napolike notes that, under guidance from Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC, flights are generally guaranteed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during air transport strikes, and that strikes can be cancelled even a few hours before they start.
What it means for airline travelers
- Flights elsewhere in Italy on the afternoon of November 6 are not covered by an air traffic control strike. If you are flying to or from Bari, avoid the 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. window or have a backup flight.
- Mark Saturday, November 21 for the nationwide air traffic control strike, which falls during the general strike weekend. Standby seats will be scarce as airlines rebook passengers; consider flying in the protected morning or evening windows, or on another day.
- If you booked Italo for November 9, watch for its list of guaranteed trains.
- Ask the operator about refunds or free changes if your flight or train is cancelled.
Sources
- The Local Italy: CALENDAR: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in November 2026 (updated Nov. 2, 2026)
- Napolike: Transport strikes in November 2026: schedule and timetable (updated Nov. 2, 2026)
- Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: Strike register
- ENAV: Official website
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