Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini intervened to postpone a nationwide 24-hour aviation strike originally scheduled for February 16, 2026 www.visahq.com. The industrial action, involving staff from ITA Airways, Vueling, and easyJet, has been rescheduled for February 26. This delay was mandated to prevent significant travel disruptions during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, ensuring that athletes and spectators can transit through Italian airports without immediate interference from labor disputes.

The strike stems from long-standing grievances regarding pay and staffing levels that have remained unresolved since late 2025. While the postponement provides a temporary reprieve for the Olympic period, the underlying labor tensions persist, and unions have signaled their intent to proceed on the new date unless negotiations improve. This situation highlights the delicate balance between labor rights and the logistical demands of hosting major international sporting events within the Schengen Area www.mit.gov.it.

Travelers who held tickets for the original February 16 date should note that they are generally not eligible for penalty-free rebooking under standard EU regulations because the strike did not occur. Passengers planning to fly to or within Italy on February 26 should monitor flight statuses closely and prepare for potential cancellations or delays. It is advisable to consult the official Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website for real-time updates on industrial actions and passenger rights.