Italy’s air-traffic capacity was restored on Friday after an overnight failure in the data-transmission network supporting air-traffic control services nationwide caused delays and cancellations at airports across the country.
Italy’s air-navigation service provider ENAV said the problem was detected during the night. Contingency systems initially allowed flights to be managed normally, but the increase in morning traffic forced the company to introduce temporary restrictions. ENAV’s morning operating capacity was reduced to 50% of normal air traffic, although the company said it had used alternative systems to handle the maximum possible number of departures, including intercontinental services.
The disruption affected major gateways including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo and Naples. At around 10am GMT, aviation analytics company Cirium counted 192 cancellations and found that only 31% of flights from Italian airports had departed on time. On-time departures fell to 25% at Milan Malpensa and 28% at Rome Fiumicino.
ENAV said flight safety remained its absolute priority and ruled out a cyberattack or sabotage. The company switched to a secondary satellite network while technicians worked with suppliers to restore the primary system.
By later on Friday, ENAV had restored full air-traffic capacity, although passengers could still face knock-on delays, cancellations and aircraft or crew repositioning problems following the morning disruption.
The disruption also coincided with a separate 24-hour strike by easyJet cabin crew in Italy. Milan airport operator SEA warned that the industrial action could create additional delays and cancellations for passengers using easyJet services.
Travellers flying to, from or through Italy were advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Passengers with connecting flights were also advised to allow additional time for potential knock-on disruption.
