Christmas travellers to Italy will face airport strikes and a surge in petty crime, warns Foreign Office
Exclusive: ‘Estimates are that 25 to 40 million people will come to Rome in one calendar year’
JimMin
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Travellers to Italy face a series of problems over the coming days and months.
On one of the busiest days in the run up to Christmas, Friday 29 November, a nationwide general strike will paralyse the transport system – causing severe disruption for air and rail travellers, as well as shutting down local transport.
Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says staff at the two main Milan airports, Linate and Malpensa, will walk out all day. Across in Venice, the strike will affect flights between 2 and 6pm.
Many other airports are expected to be disrupted.
Wizz Air staff working in Italy may strike all day, affecting a number of flights to and from the UK.
Looking further ahead, a new Foreign Office bulletin warns about Holy Year, which begins on Christmas Eve 2024 and will “draw millions of pilgrims to the city” until it ends on 6 January 2026.
“The higher number of travellers during the Holy Year could increase levels of petty crime,” says the FCDO – which also warns: “Expect heavy crowds and road closures.”
A Holy Year, or Jubilee, takes place every 25 years.
The next will begin on Christmas Eve 2024. The Vatican says: “The Holy Father will preside over the celebration of Mass at 7pm in St Peter’s Square. The Rite of Opening of the Holy Door will take place immediately afterwards.”
James Hill, who runs cultural tours to Italy and elsewhere, told The Independent: “This one is likely to be even busier than the one in 2000. Estimates are that 25 to 40 million people will come to Rome in one calendar year, particularly from Easter 2025.”
He recommends a visit to the Italian capital before mid-December 2024 or after 6 January 2026.
The official airline for the year is ITA, which is offering extra benefits – including flight discounts – for holders of the official pilgrimage card.
