The key facts

  • ENAV detected anomalies in the air traffic control data network overnight from Thursday to Friday; until 6:00 traffic operated without restrictions
  • From 6:00 airspace capacity was temporarily reduced to 50% of the total
  • Cyberattack and sabotage ruled out; at least 12 flights cancelled in Rome, delays of up to 60 minutes

Failure in the national data network

On Friday, October 16, air traffic across Italy was disrupted due to technical problems in the data network transmitting geographic data that supports air traffic control services throughout the country. This was reported by the national air navigation services provider ENAV, which was cited, among others, by the ANSA news agency. The anomalies were detected overnight from Thursday to Friday. According to ENAV, until 6:00 a.m. on Friday it was possible to maintain normal air traffic control without reducing operational capacity, including with the help of backup systems.

Restrictions from 6:00 a.m.

Starting at 6:00, given the gradual increase in air traffic volumes and the persistence of the malfunctions, ENAV introduced flow regulation measures that temporarily reduced the capacity for servicing aircraft in Italian airspace. According to Deutsche Welle, the restrictions were introduced at around 6:00 (04:00 GMT/UTC). ENAV confirmed an operational capacity of 50% of the total air traffic volume, stressing that safety remains the company's priority. The agency stated that it is ensuring the maximum number of departures, including intercontinental flights, using alternative data transmission systems; meanwhile, short flights were interrupted more frequently. The source of the failure in the data network was localized, and work is underway to determine the causes and fully restore the systems.

Cyberattack and sabotage ruled out

ENAV stated that the possibility of the anomalies being linked to malicious actions has been ruled out: neither a hacker attack nor sabotage is behind the failure. The company also emphasized that flight safety has not been compromised.

Cancellations and delays at airports

According to euronews, on Friday morning at Rome's Fiumicino airport at least 12 flights had been cancelled by midday — to Milan Linate, Bari, Riyadh, Tirana, Turin, Trieste, Valencia, Munich, Lyon, Catania, Venice and Trapani; earlier, at least four cancelled flights had been reported (to Milan Linate, Riyadh, Tirana and Trieste). Other departures were delayed by 15–60 minutes. Delays and cancellations were also recorded at Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Naples Capodichino airports, and according to an euronews video report — in Bergamo, Venice, Palermo and Cagliari. The Rome (ADR) and Milan (SEA) airport operators warned passengers of possible delays and cancellations and recommended checking flight status with the airlines. Passengers were warned that further disruptions could not be ruled out.