Italy restores full air traffic capacity after network fault

Italy restored full air traffic capacity on 16 October 2026 after a data network failure forced controllers to sharply cut capacity, causing delays and cancellations at airports across the country, according to AeroTime. Air navigation service provider ENAV said the fault had been repaired and restrictions lifted, with schedules gradually returning to normal.

How the disruption unfolded

AeroTime reports that the problem began overnight on the data transmission network supporting air traffic control services throughout Italy. ENAV said backup systems initially let controllers maintain normal operations. As morning traffic built and the fault persisted, the provider introduced restrictions at 06:00 local time.

Controllers then relied on a secondary satellite network while technicians worked on the primary connection. That backup kept services running but could not support the full volume of flights. At the worst point, ENAV could handle only about half of the usual traffic. It later reported capacity had risen to 75%, before confirming the primary network was fully working and normal capacity had returned.

Scale of the delays

By noon local time, aviation analytics company Cirium had counted 192 flight cancellations across Italy, with wider schedule disruption also reported, according to AeroTime. Only about 31% of departures had left on time. The figure fell to 25% at Milan Malpensa (MXP) and 28% at Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Passengers at airports serving Rome, Milan and Bergamo were among those most affected.

Cause and response

ENAV ruled out malicious activity. It said its air traffic control equipment was working normally and described the problem as a fault in the network carrying data between systems. The provider said it worked with outside suppliers, including telecommunications company TIM, which manages and maintains the data network, to investigate and fix the fault. AeroTime does not say what caused the fault itself.

What this means for travellers

• Expect knock-on effects. Although capacity is restored, schedules were described as returning to normal gradually, so aircraft and crew may still be out of position and further delays are possible.
• Check with your airline. Rome airport operator ADR and Milan operator SEA advised passengers to confirm flight updates with their carriers.
• Connections through Italy. If you are connecting through Rome, Milan or Bergamo, check whether a missed connection has been rebooked automatically.
• Cancelled flights. Passengers on cancelled services should contact their airline about rebooking or refunds.

The sources do not say how many flights were affected after noon or how long recovery will take.

Sources: AeroTime