Air Traffic Network Problems Disrupt Flights Across Italy

Flights were disrupted at Rome airport and several other airports across Italy after problems affected the country’s air traffic control systems.

At least 12 flights at Rome airport had been cancelled by mid-morning, while other departures were delayed by between 15 and 60 minutes. Passengers gathered around departure boards for updates and were advised to contact their airlines for the latest information.

Network anomalies identified

Italy’s air navigation service provider, ENAV, said the problems were detected overnight. Contingency systems initially kept operations running normally until 6am, but increased traffic later led to the introduction of flow-management measures.

Those measures temporarily reduced Italy’s air traffic capacity by 50 per cent, according to regulators.

ENAV technicians traced the anomalies to the data network and continued working to establish the cause and restore full capacity. ENAV said it was using alternative data-transmission systems to keep as many departures operating as possible, including intercontinental services.

The company ruled out a cyberattack or sabotage and said flight operations remained safe.

Disruption reported at other airports

Similar delays and cancellations were reported at airports including Milan, Bergamo, Naples, Venice, Palermo and Cagliari. Services affected or cancelled included flights involving Milan Linate, Bari, Riyadh, Tirana, Turin, Trieste, Valencia, Munich, Lyon, Catania and Trapani.

ENAV’s contingency arrangements had been in place before the flow-management restrictions were introduced. However, further disruption remained possible, and no confirmed time was given for the restoration of full air traffic capacity.

Travellers were urged to check with their airlines for the latest information about individual flights.