Travelling in or to Abruzzo?
Transport workers have been protesting low salaries and proposed wage increases for some time, arguing they do not align with regional and national living costs. They also have concerns over health and safety conditions due to insufficient staffing. For this reason, expect transport strikes in Abruzzo and across Italy throughout the month. Always check timetables in advance and allow extra time – upcoming and ongoing transport strikes will affect trains, Rome’s buses and metro, and airports for those flying into the capital city and directly to Abruzzo’s airport.
February Strikes
If you plan to travel to or from Abruzzo at the end of February, be aware that national strikes will affect both air and rail travel. These strikes come right after the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and are likely to cause major disruptions.
Air Travel Strike: Thursday, 26 February
A nationwide 24-hour strike will affect air travel from 00:01 to 23:59 on Thursday, 26 February.
- Pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff from ITA Airways, easyJet, and Vueling, along with airport staff across Italy, will be on strike.
- Flights at Abruzzo Airport (Pescara) may be delayed or cancelled.
- If you are travelling through Rome’s Fiumicino or Ciampino airports to reach Abruzzo, be extra careful. ITA Airways has already cancelled about 55% of its flights for that day.
- By law, flights are guaranteed to operate between 07:00–10:00 and 18:00–21:00.
Rail Strike: Friday 27 – Saturday 28 February
The disruption will move to the railways starting Friday night. A 24-hour national rail strike is set from 21:00 on Friday, 27 February until 20:59 on Saturday, 28 February.
- Staff from Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord will be on strike.
- This strike will affect regional trains on the Rome–Avezzano–Sulmona–Pescara line and the Adriatic coast line (Ancona–Pescara–Termoli).
- On Saturday, 28 February, essential regional trains will run during peak commuting times: 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00.
- Check Before You Travel: If your train is already “in motion” when the strike begins at 21:00 on Friday, it will continue to its destination only if it can reach its destination within one hour. Otherwise, it may terminate at an intermediate station.
Local Transport (TUA Buses)
Although this is mainly a national air and rail strike, local transport strikes can also happen. Check the TUA Abruzzo website for updates about possible bus cancellations between L’Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo.
Advice for Travellers
Check your flight status on your airline’s app before heading to the airport.
If your flight is cancelled, you usually have until 8 March to rebook without a fee or ask for a refund.
If you are travelling between Rome and Abruzzo, you might want to book a private bus service, such as Prontobus or FlixBus, instead of the train. Keep in mind, these buses can fill up fast.
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re 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.
