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October 18, 2026 | Europe Aviation News | Flight Travel News

Passengers travelling through Florence or Pisa airports in Italy on Friday, October 30, should prepare for possible flight delays, cancellations and baggage-handling problems due to a planned 24-hour ground-handling strike.

The industrial action was announced by the USB Lavoro Privato union and is listed in Italy's official transport strike register. It concerns ground-handling staff working for Toscana Aeroporti, GH Toscana and Consulta at Florence Peretola and Pisa Galileo Galilei airports.

When Is the Strike Scheduled?

The strike is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, from midnight until 11:59 p.m. local time.

Because the action involves ground-handling services, passengers could experience disruption to check-in, boarding assistance, baggage operations and other airport services. Delays and some cancellations are possible, but the strike does not automatically mean that every flight will be cancelled.

Which Airports Are Affected?

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR)

Travellers using Florence Airport should check with their airline for updates to departure times, check-in arrangements and baggage handling.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA)

Passengers flying through Pisa should also confirm their flight status before travelling to the airport. Disruption to ground services could affect the passenger journey even when a flight remains scheduled to operate.

Are Flights Guaranteed to Operate?

Not every flight is expected to be cancelled. Italian aviation rules provide protected time periods during certain strikes, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

However, passengers should not assume that a particular flight is guaranteed simply because it falls within one of these periods. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) publishes information about protected flights and applicable arrangements.

Check the latest official notice before travelling, as the list of guaranteed flights and operational arrangements may be updated before the strike.

What Should Passengers Do?

• Check your flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.
• Allow additional time for check-in and airport procedures.
• Check whether your flight is included in an official list of guaranteed services, where applicable.
• If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline or booking agent about rebooking or a refund.
• Keep your booking confirmation and any written cancellation or delay notices.
• If you have a connecting flight on a separate ticket, contact the other airline to understand your options.

Where to Find Official Updates

For the latest strike information and passenger guidance, consult these sources:

• Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport — Official Strike Register
• ENAC — Air Transport Strikes and Passenger Information
• Toscana Aeroporti — Airport Information

Will the Strike Affect the Whole of Italy?

The announced ground-handling action specifically concerns Florence and Pisa airports. It should not be described as a nationwide airport closure.

Other industrial actions may be listed separately in Italy's strike calendar, so travellers using different airports should check the notices relevant to their own route and date.

The Bottom Line

The planned October 30 strike could cause disruption for passengers using Florence and Pisa airports. Travellers should monitor official announcements, verify their flight with the airline and avoid assuming that every service will be cancelled or will operate normally.

Published October 18, 2026. This article reflects the strike notice available at the time of writing. Industrial action may be changed, postponed or withdrawn. Check official sources before travelling.