- Flight Disruptions
- Italy logs nearly 400 flight delays and cancellations across Rome, Milan and Catania
Italy logs nearly 400 flight delays and cancellations across Rome, Milan and Catania
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 9 February 2026
396
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
Italy experienced widespread air travel disruption on 7 February, with 383 delays and 13 cancellations across Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo Orio al Serio and Catania Fontanarossa. Ryanair saw 114 delays and seven cancellations, with ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta and easyJet also affected. Ground-handling unions cited post-pandemic staffing gaps, slot congestion tied to Carnival travel and heavy rain along the Tyrrhenian coast. Average departure delays between 07:00 and 13:00 exceeded 55 minutes, and airlines began loading precautionary cancellations to reset crew rosters.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Italy’s air traffic faced broad disruption on 7 February, with FlightAware data indicating 383 delayed flights and 13 cancellations across five major airports: Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo Orio al Serio and Catania Fontanarossa. Ryanair was the most affected carrier by volume, with 114 delays and seven cancellations. Other airlines reporting impact included ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta and easyJet.
Ground-handling unions described a convergence of issues: ongoing post-pandemic staffing shortfalls, slot congestion linked to heightened Carnival-season demand and heavy rainfall along the Tyrrhenian coast during the morning peak. Airport operators deployed mitigation measures, with ADR in Rome and SEA in Milan mobilizing de-icing teams and reserve ramp crews. Despite these efforts, average departure delays from 07:00 to 13:00 still exceeded 55 minutes.
The timing complicated corporate travel plans. Milan’s fashion calendar was due to accelerate the following week, while trade fairs in Bologna and Verona were in progress. Travel managers were advised to expect residual knock-on effects, as airlines began loading precautionary cancellations into global distribution systems to help reset crew rosters.
Practical guidance suggested for impacted travelers included: checking flight status 24 hours and again three hours before departure; opting for fully changeable fares where possible through mid‑February; building at least a four‑hour buffer for same‑day connections; and considering routings via less affected airports such as Venice or Naples.
Under EU261, weather-related delays typically do not entitle passengers to monetary compensation, though airlines must still provide meals and hotel accommodation in the event of an overnight delay. The disruption also raised concerns about readiness for the EU Entry/Exit System scheduled for April, which will add biometric processing at non‑Schengen desks and could require additional staffing to prevent similar operational strain during peak summer periods.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
396
Airlines affected
Ryanair, ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta, easyJet
Airports affected
Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo Orio al Serio, Catania Fontanarossa
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
9 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
