What happened
Italy’s air transport sector will face a complete strike on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Protected flights include those operating between 7 AM–10 AM and 6 PM–9 PM, as well as most long-haul and select island routes. ENAC staff at Milan, ground handling staff, and easyJet cabin crew are striking for the full day. EC 261/2004 duty to care applies, requiring airlines to provide accommodation, meals, and rebooking even for strikes. A list of protected long-haul flights is provided, including services by easyJet, EgyptAir, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Aegean, Saudia, Emirates, and others to destinations like Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, Doha, Tel Aviv, Jeddah, Dubai, Kuwait, Baku, Muscat, Atlanta, New York, Montreal, Mexico City, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, and more. The strike announcement was last-minute, and ITA Airways has been silent. The strike may also impact Saturday and Monday flights due to crew/aircraft rotation disruptions