Italy’s Major Airports Face 400 Disruptions Before Carnival Surge
On February 7, 2026, Italy experienced significant disruptions at its major airports, with a total of 396 flight issues reported. This included 383 delays and 13 cancellations across key airports: Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo, and Catania.
Operational Challenges Amid Carnival Travel Demand
The disruptions affected multiple airlines, with Ryanair being the most impacted, suffering 121 affected services. ITA Airways and easyJet also faced numerous challenges during this peak period. Reports indicated that average delays exceeded 55 minutes during the morning rush.
Root Causes of Airport Disruptions
Ground-handling unions attribute these problems to several factors:
- Staff shortages from the post-pandemic recovery.
- Slot congestion due to increased travel demand linked to the Carnival season.
- Severe rainfall along the Tyrrhenian coast.
In response to the disruptions, airport operators deployed reserve ramp crews and utilized de-icing units. Despite these efforts, many airlines implemented “preventive cancellations” in their reservation systems to manage crew rotations effectively.
Impact on Corporate Travel
Corporate itineraries have seen substantial impacts, as events such as Milan Fashion Week fittings, pharmaceutical congresses in Bologna, and wine trade shows in Verona experienced missed connections.
Travel managers are now advised to plan for potential disruptions by:
- Building a four-hour buffer into same-day connections.
- Considering alternative routes through Venice or Naples.
- Reviewing weather clauses in relation to EU261 compensation claims, as many delays caused by weather conditions do not qualify for payouts.
Advice for Travelers
As travelers seek to adjust their plans amidst the chaos, securing the necessary travel documents is paramount. VisaHQ’s Italy portal offers services to expedite Schengen visa applications, enabling passengers to minimize disruptions during last-minute itinerary changes.
Looking Ahead: EU Entry/Exit System
Upcoming changes to the EU Entry/Exit System may compound current challenges. Starting in April, new biometric checks will be introduced at non-Schengen checkpoints. Without additional staffing, operational strains similar to those experienced during this incident could escalate with increased leisure travel anticipated in June.
Proactive Measures for Travelers
To avoid further complications, travelers are encouraged to:
- Monitor flight statuses 24 and 3 hours prior to departure.
- Select fully changeable corporate fares until mid-February.
- Remember that airlines are required to provide meals and accommodation during lengthy delays, even if compensation is not warranted.
By following these guidelines, travelers can better navigate the disruptions ahead of Italy’s busy Carnival season.
