Alitalia workers strike, blocks Milan airport access

The strike, the latest in a string of labour actions to hit Italy’s national airline, forced more than 200 flights to be cancelled at its Malpensa hub and Milan’s city airport Linate.

A large group of demonstrating staff were blocking the road to Malpensa, Milan airport operator Sea said.

Alitalia announced in August it would cut its presence in Milan as part of a survival plan as it looks for a buyer. A union source said the airline would cancel 150 flights that it operates daily out of Malpensa, north of Milan.

The four-hour strike was due to end at 1200 GMT, however traffic controllers were also due to strike later in the day, as were Alitalia flight attendants belonging to a union.