ENAV cuts Italy air traffic capacity by 50% after network fault

Italy’s air navigation service provider ENAV reduced the capacity for handling aircraft in Italian airspace by 50% on October 16 after a technical fault affected the data transmission network used by air traffic control. The restrictions led to delays and cancellations at airports across the country. ENAV said the fault was detected overnight, but contingency systems initially allowed normal traffic management without a capacity reduction. As traffic increased and the problems continued, the company introduced flow-management measures at about 6 a.m. to maintain operational safety. ENAV said it was operating at half of overall air-traffic capacity while using alternative data transmission systems. It said departures were being prioritized, including intercontinental flights, and technicians were working to restore full operations. The company said it had ruled out a cyberattack, sabotage or other malicious activity, but had not identified the technical cause of the fault in the supplied update. Disruptions were reported at airports in Rome, Milan and Naples, as well as Bergamo. Rome Fiumicino recorded cancellations and delays. A report citing Italy’s ANSA news agency said four...