Italy Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Italy continues, but nationwide aviation industrial action is disrupting flights on 30 September. ENAV and Techno Sky personnel are striking from 13:00 to 17:00, with additional local action at several airports. ITA Airways has cancelled around 29% of its scheduled flights for today. Italian airports remain open. Temporary Schengen border controls also remain in place on some routes.

Nationwide aviation strike today

ENAV and Techno Sky personnel are taking part in nationwide aviation industrial action from 13:00 to 17:00 on 30 September. Flights may be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. Travellers flying to, from or within Italy today should check directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.

ITA Airways cancellations

ITA Airways has cancelled around 29% of its scheduled flights for 30 September because of the industrial action. Passengers booked with ITA Airways should check their individual flight status before travelling.

Additional airport-specific action

Alongside the nationwide action, additional local aviation strikes are affecting several airports, including Bologna and Bari. Travellers should check the latest information for their particular airport and airline.

Protected flight periods

Italian aviation strike rules provide protected operating periods from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. ENAC has also published a list of flights that are guaranteed to operate during the strike.

Airports remain open

Today’s action is an aviation industrial dispute rather than a nationwide closure of Italian airports. Airports remain operational even where individual flights are cancelled or delayed.

Catania Airport operating again

The recent disruption at Catania Airport caused by volcanic ash from Mount Etna has ended for now. The volcanic aviation alert was reduced and previous flight restrictions were cancelled, allowing normal airport operations to resume.

Slovenia border controls

Italy has temporarily reintroduced internal Schengen border controls at its land border with Slovenia. The current measure is scheduled to remain in place until 18 December 2026.

Spain travel checks

Italy has also temporarily introduced controls on internal air and sea borders with Spain. These measures are currently scheduled to remain in place until 1 October 2026.

Borders remain open

These measures are border checks rather than border closures. Travellers can continue crossing but should carry the required identification and travel documents and allow additional time.

Schengen Area

Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers arriving from another Schengen country would normally travel without routine immigration checks, although temporary controls can be reintroduced.

Entry/Exit System

The EU Entry/Exit System is operational across the Schengen Area. Eligible non-EU travellers entering Italy from outside Schengen may have travel-document and biometric information recorded.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Travellers requiring a Schengen visa should obtain the appropriate visa before departure.

Transport strikes

Transport strikes occur regularly in Italy and can affect trains, buses, airports and flights. Italy maintains an official strike calendar, so travellers should check for industrial action shortly before travelling.

Security advisory

The current U.S. travel advisory for Italy is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in crowded public areas.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and bag theft are common in busy tourist areas and on public transport, particularly in major cities and around railway stations.

30 September 2026 — Nationwide aviation strike underway

Nationwide industrial action involving ENAV and Techno Sky personnel is affecting Italian aviation from 13:00 to 17:00 today. ITA Airways has cancelled around 29% of its scheduled flights, while delays and cancellations may affect other services.

30 September 2026 — Additional local aviation action

Additional airport-specific industrial action is taking place alongside the nationwide strike, including action affecting Bologna and Bari. Travellers should check their individual airport and airline before departure.

28 September 2026 — Catania volcanic disruption resolved

Catania Airport returned to normal operations after the Mount Etna volcanic aviation alert was reduced and the previous flight restrictions were cancelled. The earlier ash-related suspension should no longer be treated as a current airport disruption.

Protected flights during today’s strike

Protected flight periods remain in effect from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. ENAC has also published designated guaranteed flights for the industrial action.

Temporary Slovenia border controls continue

Italy’s temporary controls at its land border with Slovenia currently run until 18 December 2026.

Temporary controls involving Spain

Italy’s temporary controls on internal air and sea borders with Spain are currently scheduled to continue through 1 October 2026.

If flying to, from or within Italy on 30 September, check your flight directly with your airline before travelling to the airport. Do not assume your flight is operating simply because the airport remains open.

Passengers travelling during the 13:00–17:00 strike period should be particularly prepared for cancellations, delays or schedule changes.

ITA Airways passengers should check their bookings carefully because the airline has cancelled a substantial number of flights for 30 September.

Passengers using Catania Airport should still check their flight before departure because volcanic conditions can change, although the earlier Mount Etna ash disruption has ended for now and the airport is operating.

Carry appropriate identification when travelling between Italy and another Schengen country because temporary border checks are currently in operation on some routes.

If travelling between Italy and Slovenia, allow additional time for possible document checks.

If travelling by air or sea between Italy and Spain before 1 October, be prepared for temporary border controls.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.