Strikes and a fuel crisis: travelers in Europe face flight disruptions

Spring vacations in Europe are at risk of being disrupted due to a major transportation crisis. Mass strikes in Italy are paralyzing air travel, and a shortage of jet fuel is leading to flight cancellations at major airports. Find out how to save your plans and book tickets safely without overpaying

Book bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world

BUY

Traveling through Europe this spring may require tourists to exercise the utmost patience and flexibility. Perfectly planned vacations are now at risk due to two major issues: a wave of union protests and an unexpected shortage of aviation fuel at key transportation hubs.

Strikes in Italy in April 2026

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations, but in April 2026, the country’s transportation sector will be in chaos due to a series of protests. For those planning flights, April 10 will be a critical date. On this day, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, ENAV air traffic control staff will go on strike, which will inevitably lead to flight delays and cancellations across the country.

Transportation issues will not be limited to air travel. Tourists planning to travel within the country should expect disruptions to public transit: on April 13, difficulties with buses and the metro are expected in Naples, and on April 24, a similar situation will paralyze Milan. In addition, on April 17, there may be significant disruptions to passenger ferry schedules, especially on routes connecting Sicily to the mainland.

Tip: Strike dates may change or be canceled at the last minute during negotiations. Be sure to check the status of your flights a day before departure and always have a Plan B in case of a transportation breakdown.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Why flights are being canceled in Italy

The second, and perhaps more serious, problem for travelers is a logistical disruption in kerosene supply. A full-scale crisis recently occurred at Brindisi Airport, where aviation fuel supplies simply ran out, forcing the administration to ask airlines to refuel their planes elsewhere.

According to Antonio Maria Vasile, president of the managing company Aeroporti di Puglia, the situation resulted from a chain reaction. Planes arriving from Milan, Bologna, and Venice were refueling en masse in Brindisi, which quickly depleted local supplies. Management emphasizes that supplies are continuing as usual and there is no risk of a total shortage in the Apulia region.

Pierluigi Di Palma, President of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), also rushed to reassure the public, stating that the shortage is temporary. According to him, the disruption is caused solely by a sharp spike in demand during the Easter holidays, and not by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz or the war.

However, refueling restrictions have already been implemented at several other major airports, including:

▪️ Bologna

▪️ Milan-Linate

▪️ Treviso

▪️ Venice-Marco Polo

According to an order from supplier Air BP, at least until April 9, priority for refueling will be given to government and medical aircraft, as well as flights lasting more than three hours. As expected, direct domestic flights are bearing the brunt of these measures.

How the war in the Middle East is affecting aviation and ticket prices

Although Italian officials attribute the current local disruptions to holiday travel demand, the global geopolitical backdrop continues to exert significant pressure on the industry. According to Euronews, although Italy has fuel reserves for about seven months, it is “the instability of the European supply chain that remains the main problem for the coming months.”

If the conflict between Iran and the U.S. drags on, the fuel crisis could spread beyond the Apennine Peninsula and hit other European transport hubs. Business Insider reports that airlines are already being forced to massively revise schedules and cancel flights amid the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Overall, the aviation industry is currently facing a systemic crisis: logistical complications and a sharp rise in prices. The specific nature of aviation kerosene requires special storage conditions, so its reserves are always more limited than those of automotive fuel. Flights from Europe to Asian countries have already become significantly more expensive due to the need to fly around dangerous zones. Moreover, according to market experts’ forecasts, Europe will face an inevitable shortage of jet fuel supplies in the near future.

Amid constant schedule changes, sudden flight cancellations, and transportation strikes, planning your own itinerary can be a real challenge. To minimize risks and save yourself the stress, use the ticket booking service on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Reminder! Ukraine has begun systematic preparations for the resumption of civil aviation following the reopening of its airspace. Find out who is on the working group, which airports are already involved, and how the phased launch of flights is being prepared.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.