- Flight Disruptions
- Nearly 400 flights disrupted across major Italian airports on 7 February
Nearly 400 flights disrupted across major Italian airports on 7 February
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 10 February 2026
396
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
Italy’s air network saw 396 flight disruptions on 7 February across Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo Orio al Serio, and Catania Fontanarossa. This included 383 delays and 13 cancellations. Ryanair was most affected, with about 114 delays and seven cancellations. Other impacted airlines included ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta, and easyJet. Unions cited staffing shortages, Carnival-season demand, and heavy morning rainfall as contributing factors. Average departure delays from 07:00 to 13:00 exceeded 55 minutes. Airlines also used preventive cancellations to stabilize schedules.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Italy’s aviation network experienced significant disruption on 7 February, with 396 flights affected across five major airports: Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo Orio al Serio, and Catania Fontanarossa. According to industry-tracked data, 383 flights were delayed and 13 were canceled. Average departure delays between 07:00 and 13:00 exceeded 55 minutes.
Ryanair was the most impacted carrier, with approximately 114 delays and seven cancellations. Other airlines affected included ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta, and easyJet. Unions representing ground-handling staff described a combination of factors behind the disruption: ongoing post‑pandemic staffing shortages, intensified slot congestion linked to Carnival‑season demand, and heavy morning rainfall along the Tyrrhenian coast.
Airport operators took steps to mitigate the situation. In Rome and Milan, management deployed de‑icing units and reserve ramp crews to maintain operations. Some airlines also implemented preventive cancellations in global reservation systems to reset crew positioning and reduce knock‑on delays.
The impact was felt by business travelers attending key events such as Milan fashion buying sessions, pharmaceutical conferences in Bologna, and wine trade fairs in Verona, with reports of missed connections and logistical issues. Travel managers were advised to add at least four hours of buffer time to same‑day connections, consider routes via less affected airports such as Venice or Naples, and prioritize flexible or changeable fares through mid‑February.
Under European rules, airlines must provide care—such as meals and, when required, hotel accommodation—during prolonged delays. This applies even when extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse weather, remove eligibility for financial compensation.
Practical guidance emphasized checking flight status 24 hours and again 3 hours before departure, favoring fully changeable fares during this period, building additional connection time, and considering alternate airports where feasible. Analysts also noted the episode as a practical stress test ahead of the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System, highlighting the importance of staffing and infrastructure readiness for future peak travel 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
Start date
2026-02-07
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
10 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, canceled, 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.
