Air traffic across Italy was severely disrupted on Friday after anomalies affected the nationwide data-transmission network supporting air-traffic-control services. ENAV introduced flow restrictions from 06:00 local time, temporarily reducing the number of aircraft that could be handled in Italian airspace. Airlines, airports and overflying traffic were affected, with delays and cancellations reported at major airports including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Naples.
The fault was detected during the night of 15–16 October. Contingency systems enabled ENAV to maintain normal traffic management until 06:00, but restrictions followed as traffic increased while the network problem persisted. The measures were introduced to maintain operational safety, with capacity reported at approximately 50% of normal levels.
At Fiumicino, four departing flights had been cancelled, including services to Milan Linate, Riyadh, Tirana and Trieste, while about 20 others were delayed by between 15 and 60 minutes. Delays at Malpensa ranged from 30 minutes to more than two hours, while Linate and Naples also experienced disruption.
Technical checks identified the affected data-transmission network, but the underlying cause and timetable for restoring full capacity remained unclear. ENAV ruled out both a hacker attack and sabotage. Passengers were advised to confirm flight status with their airlines as operating conditions continued to change.