Milan Transit Strike Disrupts City and Airport Links

Published on Nov 7, 2025, 8:51 am CST

4 min read

Key points

Al Cobas' 24-hour ATM strike in Milan affects metro, tram, and surface routes on November 7, 2025
Service is guaranteed only from start of service to 8:45 a.m. and from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. CET
Metro Line M3 closed during non-guarantee hours while other lines operate with possible slowdowns
Use Malpensa Express rail for MXP and consider taxis or car services for Linate where feasible
This action is separate from Italy's national air traffic control strike planned for November 14, 2025

Impact

Airport Transfers: Prefer Malpensa Express for MXP and allow extra time for bus replacements if activated
Minimum Service Windows: Plan essential trips before 8:45 a.m. or between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. CET
Linate Access: Expect irregular city buses, consider taxi or rideshare to Linate with added buffer
Ticketing And Timing: Travel earlier in the day and avoid tight connections across Milan
Next-Week Planning: Note separate nationwide ATC action scheduled 1:00-5:00 p.m. CET on November 14

A 24-hour strike called by the Al Cobas union is disrupting Milan's local public transport operated by ATM on Friday, November 7. ATM confirms that metro, tram, and bus services are only guaranteed during the usual peak windows, from the start of service until 845 a.m. and again from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Central European Time. Outside those times, service is not guaranteed, with significant gaps and longer waits possible across the network.

ATM service today

ATM's notice states that the company's lines may be suspended from 845 a.m. to 300 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. through the end of service. Those are the "non-guarantee" windows when travelers should expect cancellations and longer headways. This is a Milan and Monza Brianza action specific to ATM personnel under Al Cobas, separate from national rail or airline labor events.

By mid-morning, local media reported targeted metro impacts, including a suspension of Metro Line M3, while Lines M1, M2, M4, and M5 continued operating with slowdowns. If you rely on the yellow M3 for city-center transfers, re-route via M1 or M2 where possible, or move to surface lines during the guarantee windows.

Airport transfers: Linate and Malpensa

Linate Airport, officially Milan Linate Airport (LIN), is primarily served by city buses and taxis. With irregular bus frequencies likely in the non-guarantee windows, travelers should add time for a taxi or rideshare, and, where possible, depart before 845 a.m. or between 300 and 6:00 p.m. CET to reduce risk. ATM's window guidance applies citywide, including services that normally reach Linate.

For Malpensa, officially Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), your best option remains the Malpensa Express rail service operated by Trenord, which is separate from ATM. In the event of any strike affecting that line, the operator guarantees airport connectivity with dedicated replacement buses running non-stop between Milano Cadorna and Malpensa Terminal 1. Check live status before departure and allow for platform changes.

If you are connecting between Linate and Malpensa, avoid tight inter-airport transfers today. Reserve extra time, consider private transfers, and, if you have a same-day flight, contact your airline to move to a later departure rather than risking a missed connection during non-guarantee hours.

Minimum service windows and how they work

Italian local transport strikes typically include "fasce di garanzia," minimum service windows that preserve commute peaks. In Milan today, the guarantee windows are from the start of service to 845 a.m., and from 300 to 6:00 p.m. CET. Outside these periods, metro, tram, and bus services can be suspended, curtailed, or run with long intervals depending on staff participation and control-room decisions. Several outlets reiterate these specific times in line with ATM's alert.

What is not affected and what is next

The Malpensa Express is a Trenord operation, not ATM, so it does not automatically follow ATM strike patterns. Travelers should still verify service on Trenord's channels in case of rolling knock-ons or late crew constraints. Looking ahead, Italy faces a separate national air traffic control action on Friday, November 14, from 100 to 500 p.m. CET, which could delay or cancel flights nationwide; that event is unrelated to today's local strike.

Background

Al Cobas called today's action over workplace and policy issues spanning staffing, safety, pay, and contracting. The strike was formally posted in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's national strike calendar and subsequently reflected by ATM's live advisory. These postings provide the legal and operational basis for the day's guarantee and non-guarantee windows.

Final thoughts

The Milan transit strike changes how you move through the city and how you get to the airports. Plan your critical trips for the guarantee windows, lean on Malpensa Express for MXP, and book a taxi or rideshare for Linate if you must travel during non-guarantee hours. With the national ATC action due November 14, keep monitoring airline advisories after today's local disruption.