ITA Airways Strike: Tips and Information About Flight Disruptions

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  April 29, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

ITA Airways faced several strikes in recent years, resulting in flight cancellations and delays for countless passengers. These disruptions have been caused by both ITA Airways strikes within the company and by work stoppages in the air transport sector in general.

On September 7, 2024 ITA Airways had a 4 hour strike called by the Fit-Cisl and Ugl-Ta unions. It involved all the airline's staff causing numerous flight delays and cancellations.

If your ITA flight has been delayed or cancelled because of a strike, the following info will come in handy.

When an ITA Strike Corresponds with Your Travel Dates

It’s one thing if a strike happens a week or so before your plan to fly, but when it overlaps your travel dates, then the situation gets a little tricky—see our airline strike compensation overview.

How to minimise the strike’s impact on your trip

1. Check your flight status regularly to see if your flight is confirmed, delayed or cancelled. You can do this directly in the News section of the official ITA Airways website or via the airline's app.
2. Update your contact details on the airline's website. Make sure ITA Airways has your correct phone number and email address to receive timely notifications of any changes to your flight.
3. Consider an alternative plan. If possible, consider rebooking or changing your travel dates. ITA Airways may offer free changes to passengers affected by the strike.
4. Keep all documentation. Notifications, emails, and any communications you receive about the ITA Airways strike will be essential for supporting your eligibility for compensation and reimbursement from the airline.
5. Find out about assistance and covered expenses. If the strike causes you to have long waits at the airport, ITA Airways is obliged to provide meals, drinks and, in the event of an overnight delay, hotel accommodation. Request help with these expenses, and if you are denied, keep all receipts.

How to Change Your ITA Airways Flight

If you suddenly discover that there is an ITA Airways strike, and you are about to depart, here is what you can do to change your booking.

1. Go to the homepage of the website or the ITA Airways app and access the "Manage Flight" section. 
2. Enter the booking code (PNR) or the ticket number and your surname to proceed with the change.
3. Check the ticket type to make sure your ticket allows changes. Purchased tickets can be changed or refunded, as long as they have a code that starts with 055.
4. If your ticket is changeable, select a new date or time directly online. After confirmation, you will receive the new ticket at the email address provided during purchase. Your booking reference (PNR) will remain the same.

If you are unable to make changes to your booking independently, wait for ITA Airways to cancel your flight due to the strike. This will give you the right to choose a new travel date or request a full refund of the ticket at no additional cost.

How much does it cost to change an ITA Airways ticket?

If your ITA Airways flight is cancelled due to a strike—or your fare includes free changes—you can rebook at no extra cost, and you may be eligible for compensation for cancelled flight.

How ITA Will Help You During a Strike

When a strike affects your ITA Airways flight, your right to compensation depends on the circumstances that cause the interruption of the trip.

If your flight qualifies, you could claim between €250 and €600 (depending on the distance travelled by the flight).

You are entitled to repayment if:

1. Your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure or is delayed for more than 3 hours;
2. The strike involves ITA Airways staff (not entities outside the company like airport staff); 
3. You have a confirmed reservation
4. The disruption occurred in the last 24 months.

AirAdvisor experts also advise you not to accept vouchers as compensation because they are only valid for 12 months and are not refundable.

You can request compensation through the ITA Airways online form or by contacting AirAdvisorWe can handle every aspect of the claim for you! Enter your flight details below to get started.Free flight checker

When You’re at the Airport During a Strike

Finding yourself at the airport during an ITA Airways strike can be stressful, but knowing what to do will help you protect yourself and manage the inconvenience with greater peace of mind.

Here's what you can do to minimize the inconvenience and assert your rights.

• Find out about the status of your flight immediately. Check the airport displays for real-time updates. If in doubt, contact the ITA Airways assistance desk.
• Request immediate assistance. In the event of a delay of more than 2 hours, ITA Airways is obliged to provide you with assistance. Ask about meals, drinks, and, if necessary, free accommodation for the night.
• Do not book alternative flights yourself without authorization. Check with airline staff and obtain official confirmation before arranging alternative solutions at your own expense. If your flight is cancelled due to a strike, ITA Airways may offer you free rerouting on another flight.
• Check whether you are entitled to compensation. In some circumstances you are entitled to cash compensation based on EU Regulation 261/2004.

How Often Does ITA Go On Strike?

ITA employees have engaged in numerous strikes over the last few years, leading to extensive flight disruptions. Here’s a table to show you the timeline of these events and how they affected travellers.

• ITA Airways Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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