Italy halves air traffic capacity following nationwide technical disruption

Italy has reduced its air traffic handling capacity by 50% following technical problems affecting the country’s air traffic control data network, causing flight delays at airports nationwide. 

Italian air navigation service provider ENAV said the disruption began overnight on Thursday 15 October and affected the data transmission systems supporting air traffic control operations. 

Contingency systems initially allowed flights to operate normally until 06:00 this morning (Friday 16 October). However, as traffic volumes increased and the technical problems persisted, ENAV introduced restrictions on the number of aircraft permitted to operate within Italian airspace. 

The measures have affected flights at several major airports, including Rome Fiumicino, Milan, and Bergamo. 

ENAV said it was using alternative data transmission systems to maintain as many departures as possible, including long-haul services, while technicians worked to restore normal operations. 

The company ruled out a cyberattack, attributing the disruption to anomalies within its data transmission network. It also confirmed that flight operations remained safe. 

The reduction in capacity could affect international travellers through delayed departures, missed connections, and changes to onward travel arrangements. 

The disruption may generate additional enquiries relating to delayed journeys and alternative travel arrangements, although eligibility for compensation will depend on individual policy terms and the circumstances of each disruption. 

ENAV has not indicated when full air traffic capacity is expected to be restored.