ENAV strike on Wednesday, September 30, puts flights at risk in Naples

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Italian air traffic will be grounded for four hours . A nationwide strike by ENAV staff , the company that manages air traffic in Italy, is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM , called by the Uiltrasporti union . The protest involves air traffic controllers and other company employees, along with the staff of Techno Sky , which manages and maintains air traffic control systems.

The consequences will be seen above all on timetables: delays and cancellations are expected at the main Italian airports, including Naples Capodichino , because the strike period falls in the central part of the day, when connections are most frequent.

What to expect on Wednesday, September 30th

ITA Airways has already announced the cancellation of approximately a third of its scheduled flights for the day, a figure that gives an idea of ​​the operational impact of the strike. Other airlines are rearranging their schedules days in advance.

Not all departures are at risk: as with every strike in the sector, essential services are guaranteed . ENAC , the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, has published on its website the list of guaranteed flights , i.e., those that must operate even during the work stoppage.

This isn't the first time this month: in mid-September, another air transport strike jeopardized flights from Naples, as reported in our update on the September 13, 2026, air travel strike . The difference this time is that the protest involves air traffic management personnel, not just airlines.

The reasons for the protest

The union cited the strike as the failure to renew the company agreement on wages and working conditions. Other reasons for the protest included workers' loss of purchasing power , staff shortages , problems with shift organization , and delays in infrastructure investments.

The issue, therefore, is not just about salaries: the dispute touches on the organization of work and the maintenance of a system, that of air traffic control, which during the busiest weeks operates at capacity.

What to do if you have to fly

The first step is to check the status of your flight directly with the airline, through official channels, before leaving for the airport. Cancellations communicated in advance entitle you to re-routing or a refund according to the ticket conditions, so it's a good idea to have your booking reference handy.

The second is to consult the list of guaranteed flights published by ENAC: if the departure falls within the protected ones, the operation is also foreseen during the strike period. If, however, the flight is at risk, it's best not to show up at the airport without first speaking to the airline, to avoid being stranded in the terminal.

For those traveling from Naples, Capodichino Airport remains the reference point: the same instructions apply here too, with the precaution of allowing extra time for security checks and checking the status of your connection in real time.

Frequently asked questions about the air traffic controllers' strike

When the strike takes place

Wednesday 30 September 2026 , from 13pm to 17pm : four hours of work absence for ENAV and Techno Sky staff.

Who is on strike?

The air traffic controllers and other ENAV employees , together with the staff of Techno Sky , the company that manages and maintains the air traffic control systems.

Which flights will be cancelled

There's no one-size-fits-all list: ITA Airways has announced the cancellation of approximately a third of its scheduled flights, while other airlines are communicating the changes on their own channels. Essential services remain guaranteed.

Where is the list of guaranteed flights located?

On the ENAC website , in the section dedicated to air transport strikes, the flights that must be operated during the strike are published.

Why air traffic controllers are protesting

Due to the failure to renew the company agreement on wages and working conditions, the loss of purchasing power, staff shortages , problems with shifts and delays in infrastructure investments.