A data transmission network fault disrupted Italy’s air traffic control on October 16, 2026, leading to reduced air traffic handling capacity and causing delays and cancellations across major Italian airports. From 6:00 local time, ENAV, Italy’s government agency responsible for air navigation services, implemented flow management measures to limit airspace capacity amid persistent technical issues.
Flight Cancellations and Delays at Rome, Milan, and Naples Airports
Rome Fiumicino Airport saw at least four flight cancellations on October 16, including routes to Milan Linate, Riyadh, Tirana, and Trieste. Other flights at the airport faced delays reaching up to 60 minutes. Disruptions extended to Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, and Naples Capodichino airports, where
multiple flights experienced delays and cancellations due to the network fault.
ENAV Confirms Safety and Rules Out Sabotage
ENAV confirmed that the disruption stems from faults in the data network supporting air traffic control and is unrelated to any cyberattack or sabotage. “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,” ENAV stated. Despite operating at approximately half capacity, ENAV emphasized that air traffic management remained safe during
the incident.
Operational Impact and Restoration Efforts
The network fault was first identified during the night of October 15-16, but normal air traffic management continued until 6:00 on October 16, when capacity restrictions commenced. ENAV pinpointed the source of the fault and is actively working to restore full system functionality. Passengers are advised to verify flight status directly with airlines due to ongoing risks of delays and cancellations resulting from the data transmission network disruption.
