Trains halted and planes sat idle at airports across Italy on Friday because of simultaneous strikes by transport workers negotiating for better pay and conditions.

Italy's flag carrier Alitalia canceled 211 flights during the four hour strike by radar operators, and foreign airlines were also forced to scrap dozens of international flights.

Rail travelers fared no better as the 24 hour strike launched on Thursday by national rail staff in a dispute over contracts and safety was set to run until 1900 GMT on Friday.

The UGL union said up to 90 percent of rail workers had joined the strike, which had the biggest effect on medium- and long-haul routes.

"It was a protest that blocked all rail traffic and left only a minimum guaranteed service," said Umberto Nespoli, head of the UGL's rail section.

Italy is bracing for another round of transport strikes later this month which are expected to dent Alitalia operations again, starting with a stoppage by cabin crews on May 18.

Alitalia ground crews, pilots and cabin crews are all threatening to strike on Saturday, May 28.