Britons travelling to European Christmas markets warned of ‘major disruption'
UK travellers heading to Italy this November or December could be set to experience “major disruption” countrywide on three specific dates. Festive family visits to Italy along with travellers heading for winter breaks or visiting Christmas markets are being warned to potentially expect major transport disruption as the country braces for two waves of nationwide strikes.The first strike in Italy will take place today, Thursday, November 27, and again on Friday, November 28, followed by another on Friday, December 12, 2025. Although the exact level of disruption varies between regions and operators, travel experts say anyone flying, taking trains, or relying on local transport should be prepared for delays, cancellations and significantly reduced services. Italy’s largest unions have confirmed a 24-hour rail strike running from 9pm on Thursday, November 27 to 9pm on Friday, November 28, across the Italian Republic. The nationwide general strike on November 28 looks set to affect several sectors, including transport - and a further general strike on Friday, December 12 has been organised by major union CGIL in protest against the Italian government’s 2026 budget.With walkouts affecting everything from trains to public services, disruption is expected across the country’s busiest travel corridors, including cities popular with British tourists such as Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence.Travel expert Yasmin Peskel at cabin charter company Blue Cruise says visitors should not assume their journey will be unaffected simply because their exact route or airline hasn’t yet issued an alert.Yasmin said: “Strike days in Italy rarely affect just one type of transport, even when guaranteed services operate, they often run at reduced capacity, and the ripple effect can disrupt travel for the entire day.“Flights may still go ahead, but passengers can face long queues, slower ground handling and delays getting to or from the airport.”Yasmin added that while some rail and local transport services are “protected” by law during peak commuter hours, most travellers should expect reduced timetables throughout the strike periods, with last-minute changes likely.She said: “The most important thing is to stay flexible, even minor delays early in the day can snowball into wider disruption.“If you’re visiting Italy’s Christmas markets, give yourself breathing room so the strikes don’t impact your plans.”What travellers should expectBecause strike participation varies between regions and operators, not all disruption is uniform. However, travellers should be prepared for possible reduced rail services, especially outside guaranteed windows.Other issues travellers may encounter are:Possible last-minute train cancellations, even for pre-booked high-speed servicesSlower airport processes due to staff shortages, even if flights operateLimited bus, metro and tram services in major citiesLonger journey times, particularly when travelling between airports and city centresSome flights during guaranteed protection windows, typically morning and early evening, may operate closer to schedule, but delays are still possible.Yasmin’s advice for anyone travelling to Italy on or around the strike periods:Allow extra time for every stage of your journey, especially airport transfersCheck your airline, airport and rail operator apps regularly for real-time updatesBook flexible or refundable tickets wherever possiblePlan alternative routes in advance, including taxis, airport shuttles or walking routes in citiesExpect crowds, both before and after strike windowsAvoid tight connections, including onward trains or excursionsTravel earlier in the day if your schedule allows, as later services are more vulnerable to cancellationsKey dates travellers should avoid if possible:November 27 and 28, as there’s a nationwide rail strike and a general strike in Italy.December 12, as there’s a country-wide general strike across Italy.Travellers with bookings on these dates are urged to check for updates frequently, as service levels may change at short notice.
