Four-hour national air-traffic controllers’ strike disrupts flights across Italy
Interior Ministry data show sea arrivals down 55 % in 2026 but reception network still hosts 126,000 people
Deadly shipwreck on Libya-to-Lampedusa route renews calls for EU search-and-rescue mission
Latest News
Catania Airport Halts All Flights Again as Etna Ash Cloud Returns
A renewed eruption of Mount Etna forced Catania Airport to suspend all flights from 09:31 to at least 15:00 on 29 September 2026, less than 12 hours after a brief reopening. The ash cloud has triggered diversions, delays and additional costs for airlines and business travellers at the height of Sicily’s post-summer conference season. Companies are being advised to add buffer time and review contingency plans.
EU Court of Justice holds key hearing on Schengen entry refusals
The EU Court of Justice today heard case C-469/25 on whether Schengen states can deny entry purely on another state’s SIS alert. Italy, which currently maintains temporary controls on Spanish routes, backs the restrictive stance. The eventual ruling could lengthen border checks at Italian airports and force businesses to review traveller screening and contingency plans.
Italy braces for nationwide air-traffic strike on 30 September; minimum-service list published
ENAC has released the legally mandated list of ‘guaranteed flights’ ahead of a 24-hour nationwide aviation strike on 30 September. Airlines have pre-emptively culled hundreds of services, and travellers should expect severe disruption, especially at Rome FCO and Milan MXP. Businesses should rebook critical staff immediately and consider rail alternatives.
Wave of Airport and ATC Strikes Poised to Disrupt Italian Air Travel Through 30 September
Ground-handling staff at Cagliari are already on strike, and nationwide ENAV walk-outs scheduled for 13:00-17:00 on 30 September threaten flight cancellations at Rome, Bari, Bologna, Milan Linate, Naples and other airports. ENAC has published the list of guaranteed flights, but corporates should brace for disruption as airlines invoke flexible-rebooking policies.
Catania airport fully reopens as volcanic-ash alert downgraded
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport has returned to full operations after the volcanic-ash alert was lowered this morning. Normal border and slot procedures are back in force, but airlines face a significant backlog. Businesses relying on the Sicilian hub should retain contingency plans as Etna’s activity may spike again.
Strike by ground-handling staff hits Cagliari Elmas airport today
Sogaer staff at Cagliari Elmas launched a 24-hour strike today, disrupting Sardinia’s main airport during the critical post-summer travel window. Although guaranteed flights are running, delays and cancellations are widespread. Businesses should adjust travel plans and prepare for wider industrial action in October.
Technical fault slows high-speed services on Rome–Naples corridor
A signalling fault near Ceccano caused significant delays on the Rome–Naples high-speed line this morning. Although normal service has resumed, the incident underscores limited resilience ahead of the nationwide aviation strike. Travellers should add buffer time and check real-time RFI updates.
Italian Consulate in Barcelona issues severe-weather travel advisory
Italy’s consulate in Barcelona has issued a heavy-rain advisory for Catalonia, warning of possible road and rail disruption on 29 September. Italians in the region should plan extra travel time—a particular concern given the impending air-traffic strike in Italy.