A data transmission fault in the network supporting Italy’s air traffic control systems was detected during the night between October 15 and 16, 2026, disrupting flights across Europe on Friday. Initially, flights continued operating on backup systems, but from 6:00am authorities implemented flow management measures that temporarily reduced aircraft handling capacity in Italian airspace to maintain safety.
Flight Delays and Cancellations at Major Italian Airports
At Rome Fiumicino Airport, four flights bound for Milan Linate, Riyadh, Tirana, and Trieste were cancelled. Additionally, around 20 flights experienced delays ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. Lombardy’s Milan Malpensa Airport saw departure delays between 30 minutes and more than two hours.
Milan Linate Airport faced arrival delays of up to one hour and longer departure delays.
At Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, a Ryanair flight to Trapani scheduled for 6:50am departed 1 hour and 30 minutes late, and another Ryanair flight to Berlin was delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes. A Volotea flight from Olbia, originally due at 7:45am, was rescheduled to 11:18am. Trieste Airport experienced cancellation of a flight arriving from Fiumicino and several-hour delays for a Trieste to Milan Linate service. Airport operators warned of potential further disruptions throughout the day.
Cause and Official Statements on Airspace Capacity
Italy’s air traffic control service, Enav, confirmed
the fault originated in the data transmission network used for managing air traffic control. Enav stated that the reductions in capacity started at 6:00am to ensure operational safety amid increasing traffic and persistent faults. Eurocontrol collaborated with Italian authorities to coordinate flow management measures across Italian airspace.
Enav explicitly denied any links between the fault and cyberattacks or sabotage. The agency said: “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.”
Impacts on Passengers and Regional Air Traffic
The fault caused delays and cancellations affecting inbound, outbound, and transit flights through Italian airspace on October 16, 2026. Greek airports were also expected to experience similar delays and cancellations due to the disruption extending into regional flight routes. Airlines at affected airports including Rome, Milan, Bergamo, and Trieste have reported the ongoing issues.
Passengers on impacted flights were urged to verify flight status through their airlines as disruptions persisted. Airport authorities noted the possibility of additional delays and cancellations as efforts continue to restore full operational capacity.
