How the October strikes will affect trains, buses and flights for anyone living in or travelling through Abruzzo
Friday 2 October: Three-Hour National Train Strike
This is the main date for Abruzzo this month. It is part of a national strike across many sectors, called by the CSLE union. For trains, the strike runs for three hours, from 11:00 to 14:00.
It can affect all rail companies: Trenitalia regional trains, Intercity and high-speed trains, and Italo. In Abruzzo, that means the Pescara-Rome line, the Adriatic coast line, and the Sulmona-L’Aquila-Terni line. TUA’s own train services may also be affected, as the strike covers the whole rail sector.
The hours matter. Regional trains are protected from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 on weekdays. The strike falls outside those hours, so late morning and lunchtime trains are at risk.
Two useful points:
- A train that is already moving when the strike starts can finish its trip, as long as it reaches the end of the line within one hour.
- Trenitalia publishes a list of guaranteed long-distance trains before each strike. Check your train number on the Trenitalia website or app.
The same strike also covers schools and hospitals all day, so check with your child’s school.
Wednesday 14 October: General Strike in Tuscany
This is a regional strike in Tuscany, called by CGIL. Trains stop there from 09:01 to 17:00, and local buses stop for four hours. It won’t affect Abruzzo directly. But if you are heading north by train through Florence, expect delays and cancellations on that day.
Friday 16 October: easyJet Cabin Crew Strike
easyJet cabin crew in Italy strike for 24 hours, from 00:00 to 23:59. This is the only national air strike this month.
Many people in Abruzzo fly from Rome or Naples, so check your booking if you are flying easyJet that day. A strike does not mean every flight will be cancelled. Flights between 07:00 and 10:00 and between 18:00 and 21:00 are protected by law. ENAC, the aviation authority, publishes a list of guaranteed flights before each strike. Your airline should also contact you if it cancels your flight.
Schools are also affected on 16 October, with a national school strike for the whole day.
Friday 30 October: General Strike, Transport Not Included
The month ends with a 24-hour general strike called by USI-CIT. Transport is excluded. Trains, planes, local buses and ferries should all run as normal. Schools and other public services may still be affected.
TUA Buses: What We Know So Far
The 2 October strike covers trains only. TUA’s own bus staff have not called a strike for October at the time of writing, and the ministry’s strike calendar shows no Abruzzo bus strikes this month.
Keep an eye on it, though. The unions called the 18 September strike a “first action” and want better talks with TUA and the Region. If those talks stall, a second strike could follow. TUA sometimes gives only about a week’s notice, so check tuabruzzo.it before you travel.
If a TUA strike does go ahead, buses always run from 05:30 to 08:30 and from 13:00 to 16:00.
What This Means for You
- 2 October is the one to watch. Trains across Abruzzo may be cancelled between 11:00 and 14:00.
- 14 October only matters if you are travelling by train through Tuscany.
- 16 October affects easyJet flights. Other airlines should fly as normal.
- 30 October is a general strike, but it does not include transport.
- TUA buses: no bus strike is planned for October so far. The 2 October strike affects trains, not buses.
Advice for Travellers
- On 2 October, travel before 11:00 or after 14:00 if you can.
- Check your train or flight in the app before you leave home.
- If you decide not to travel on a strike day, Trenitalia gives a full refund. For Frecce and Intercity, you can claim up to departure time. For regional trains, you must claim by midnight the day before.
- Check tuabruzzo.it in the days before any bus journey, as notice can be short.
- Strikes can be cancelled, moved or added at short notice. Use this as a guide, not a guarantee.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region. Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
