Italian national aviation strike strands Austrian travellers as 300 flights cancelled

A 24-hour strike by Italian aviation unions on 26 February 2026 led to the cancellation of roughly 300 flights operated by ITA Airways, easyJet and several regional carriers. Italy’s ANSA news agency reported that 55 % of ITA’s schedule was grounded, with pickets outside Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate and Naples. For Austria the knock-on effects were immediate. Vienna-Schwechat lost nine rotations to Rome and Milan as well as evening services to Venice and Naples, while Innsbruck saw two outbound ski-season charters scrubbed. Austrian Airlines rebooked passengers at no extra cost but warned business travellers that inbound capacity would remain tight until 28 February. ÖBB added two carriages to its Vienna–Venice night train, yet seats sold out within hours. Global-mobility managers escorting assignees to Italian client sites scrambled to rearrange itineraries. Key issues included Schengen over-stay risk for non-EU staff suddenly forced to exit via alternative airports and the need to secure hotel confirmations that satisfy Austria’s reimbursement rules. Companies were reminded that re-routed travellers transiting a third country such as Switzerland may require additional travel authorisations. The dispute centres on the stalled renewal of the national collective labour agreement for cabin and ground staff. Unions signalled more strikes before Easter unless talks resume. Mobility teams with tight project deadlines in northern Italy should budget extra transit time or consider rail options until at least mid-March.