A technical fault in the data transmission network supporting Italy’s air traffic control systems was detected during the night between 15 and 16 October 2026. Initially, Enav, Italy’s national air navigation service provider, continued flight management using backup systems while investigating the issue.
To maintain operational safety amid increasing morning traffic, Enav and Eurocontrol reduced the capacity of Italian airspace from 6:00 am on 16 October. These flow management measures limited the number of aircraft that could be handled simultaneously, causing delays and cancellations across Italian airports.
Flight Disruptions at Rome Fiumicino
Rome Fiumicino Airport, one of Italy’s busiest, experienced four cancellations affecting flights to
Milan Linate, Riyadh, Tirana, and Trieste. Approximately 20 additional flights faced delays ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. Passengers faced disrupted schedules amid ongoing capacity restrictions.
Delays at Milan and Bergamo Airports
In Lombardy, Milan Malpensa departures were delayed between 30 minutes and over two hours, while arrivals experienced fewer disruptions. Milan Linate saw arrival delays up to one hour, with some departures delayed longer. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport reported Ryanair flights to Trapani and Berlin delayed by one hour and 30 minutes and one hour and 20 minutes respectively. Volotea’s flight from Olbia was rescheduled from a 7:45 am arrival to 11:18 am.
Ongoing Issues at Trieste and Passenger Advisories
Trieste
Airport recorded cancellations and delays lasting several hours, including a cancelled inbound flight from Fiumicino and a delayed service to Milan Linate. Airport operators warned that additional flights might face disruptions throughout the day as technical teams work to restore normal operations.
Enav emphasized the safety-driven nature of the capacity reductions, stating: “From 6:00, in view of the steady increase in air traffic and the persistence of the faults, in order to continue guaranteeing the highest level of operational safety, flow management measures have been introduced, which mean a temporary reduction in the capacity to handle aircraft in Italian airspace.”
The agency confirmed there was no evidence of cyberattack or sabotage causing the fault. Aeroporti di Roma and SEA operators issued advisories regarding flight delays and cancellations.
