Key Takeaways
• On July 8, 2025, a man died after breaching security and entering a Volotea Airbus A319 engine at Milan Bergamo Airport.
• Nineteen flights were canceled and eight diverted; many Ryanair flights delayed up to eight hours due to the incident.
• Airport operator SACBO and authorities are investigating the breach; security upgrades are planned for November 2025.
On July 8, 2025, Milan Bergamo Airport—one of Italy’s busiest travel hubs—was thrown into chaos after a tragic incident involving a Volotea Airlines Airbus A319. The event led to the cancellation of nineteen flights, major delays, and a wave of concern about airport security and passenger safety. For thousands of travelers, the day became a test of patience and resilience, while for airport authorities and airlines, it marked a turning point in how they handle emergencies and protect passengers.
This article explains what happened, how it affected travelers, what steps are being taken to improve safety, and what passengers should do if they are caught in similar situations. It also looks at the broader impact on Milan Bergamo Airport, Volotea Airlines, and the aviation industry as a whole.
What Happened at Milan Bergamo Airport?
On the morning of July 8, 2025, a 35-year-old man lost his life after being sucked into the engine of a Volotea Airlines Airbus A319 at Milan Bergamo Airport (also known as Il Caravaggio International or Orio al Serio). The incident took place at about 10:20 a.m. local time, just as the aircraft was preparing for takeoff to Asturias, Spain (flight V7-3511).
The man was not a passenger or an airport employee. According to reports, he breached airport security by abandoning his car near the terminal, entering the arrivals area, and then accessing the runway through a security door. He ran toward the aircraft during its pushback maneuver—a time when the plane is being moved backward from the gate, usually by a special vehicle, and engines may be running.
Immediate Response and Flight Disruptions
As soon as the incident occurred, all flight operations at Milan Bergamo Airport were suspended. From 10:20 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., no flights took off or landed. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the airport operator, SACBO, cited a “problem that occurred on the taxiway” as the reason for the suspension.
The impact on flight schedules was immediate and severe:
- Nineteen flights were canceled outright.
- At least eight flights were diverted to other airports, including Milan Malpensa, Verona, and Bologna.
- Departing flights faced average delays of over an hour after operations resumed at noon.
- Ryanair, the main airline at Milan Bergamo Airport, canceled at least a dozen departures and the corresponding inbound flights.
- Other airlines, such as Eurowings and AirArabia, also faced delays and diversions.
- Thousands of passengers were affected, with some Ryanair flights delayed by up to eight hours.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
SACBO, the airport operator, confirmed the suspension of operations and stated that the cause of the incident is under investigation by law enforcement. Volotea Airlines confirmed that the incident involved their Airbus A319, which had 154 passengers and six crew members on board at the time. The airline is providing psychological support to those affected and rebooked passengers on a replacement flight scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time.
Italian authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine how the security breach occurred and the circumstances that led to the fatality. The focus is on understanding how an unauthorized person was able to access the runway and approach an active aircraft.
Security Concerns and Policy Implications
The incident has triggered an immediate review of airport security protocols, especially regarding access control to airside areas—the parts of the airport where aircraft are parked and prepared for flights. The fact that someone was able to breach security and reach the runway has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
Airport operators and airlines are now working closely with law enforcement and aviation safety agencies to identify weaknesses in the system and prevent similar incidents in the future. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such events often lead to stricter security checks, more staff training, and investments in new technology.
Passenger Rights and Practical Steps
For travelers caught in the disruption, the situation was stressful and confusing. However, European Union air passenger rights regulations offer some protection:
- Meals and Refreshments: If your flight is delayed, you are entitled to meals and drinks during the wait.
- Rebooking or Refund: If your flight is canceled, you can ask for a seat on the next available flight or request a refund.
- Compensation: In some cases, you may be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the reason for the delay or cancellation and how much notice you received.
- Accommodation: If you are stranded overnight, the airline must provide a hotel room and transport to and from the airport.
Passengers are advised to keep all receipts and records of expenses caused by delays or cancellations. These documents will help if you need to claim compensation or reimbursement later.
For more information about your rights as an air passenger in the European Union, you can visit the European Commission’s official passenger rights page.
How Airlines and the Airport Responded
Volotea Airlines, whose Airbus A319 was involved in the incident, acted quickly to support passengers and crew. The airline provided psychological support and rebooked affected travelers on a replacement flight. Ryanair, the largest carrier at Milan Bergamo Airport, faced the biggest challenge, with at least a dozen flights canceled and many more delayed. Both airlines set up help desks at the airport and updated their websites and apps with the latest information.
SACBO, the airport operator, worked to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. By noon, flights had resumed, but the backlog of delayed and diverted flights took hours to clear. Airport staff provided assistance to stranded passengers, and announcements were made regularly to keep everyone informed.
Background: Milan Bergamo Airport and Recent Changes
Milan Bergamo Airport is Italy’s third-busiest airport, handling over 17 million passengers in 2024. It serves as a major hub for Ryanair and other low-cost airlines, making it a key gateway for both Italian and international travelers.
In recent years, the airport has invested heavily in expanding its facilities. A new check-in area with 30 additional stations (22 self-drop and 8 traditional) was recently opened, bringing the total to 64. This expansion was designed to handle the growing number of passengers and reduce wait times.
A new security screening area, featuring advanced technology, is scheduled to open on November 26, 2025. This upgrade aims to address congestion and improve the flow of passengers through the airport. However, despite these improvements, security bottlenecks remain a challenge, especially during busy travel periods.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Is Affected and How?
- Airport Operator (SACBO): SACBO has emphasized its ongoing investments in both infrastructure and security. The company has set aside €67 million for further improvements in 2025. Management has acknowledged that more needs to be done to strengthen security and speed up passenger processing.
- Airlines: Volotea Airlines and Ryanair were directly affected by the incident. Volotea had to manage the immediate aftermath for its passengers and crew, while Ryanair handled the largest share of cancellations and delays. Other airlines, such as Eurowings and AirArabia, also faced disruptions.
- Passengers: Thousands of travelers experienced delays, cancellations, and a lack of timely information. While EU regulations provide some recourse, the scale of the disruption meant that many people faced long waits and missed connections.
- Authorities: Italian law enforcement and aviation safety agencies are conducting a thorough investigation. Depending on their findings, new policies or enforcement actions may be introduced to prevent similar incidents.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Travelers
If you are ever caught in a similar situation at Milan Bergamo Airport or any other airport, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Flight Status: Use your airline’s official website or app for real-time updates. Flight information screens at the airport are also helpful.
- Contact Your Airline: If your flight is canceled or delayed, reach out to the airline for rebooking or refund options. Airline staff at the airport can also assist.
- Know Your Rights: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation, meals, accommodation, and rebooking. Familiarize yourself with these rights before you travel.
- Keep Documentation: Save all receipts and records of expenses caused by delays or cancellations. This will help if you need to claim compensation or reimbursement.
- Seek Airport Assistance: Visit airline or airport service desks for immediate help with meals, accommodation, or rebooking.
Looking Ahead: Security and Infrastructure Upgrades
The investigation into the July 8 incident is expected to lead to further improvements in airport security, especially regarding access control and emergency response. The new security screening area, set to open in November 2025, should help reduce congestion and improve safety for all travelers.
Milan Bergamo Airport is also investing in sustainable infrastructure. A new photovoltaic system, which generates electricity from sunlight, will be operational from January 2025. These investments are part of a broader effort to support the airport’s continued growth and ensure a safe, efficient experience for passengers.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Travelers?
For international travelers, incidents like the one at Milan Bergamo Airport highlight the importance of strong airport security and clear communication. When security is breached, it can lead to delays, missed connections, and even problems with visas or entry requirements if travelers are unable to reach their destinations on time.
Airports and airlines must work together to ensure that security measures do not create unnecessary barriers for legitimate travelers. At the same time, they must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies occur.
Practical Tips for International Travelers
- Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time at the airport, especially during busy periods or if you know there have been recent incidents.
- Keep Travel Documents Handy: Make sure your passport, visa, and any other required documents are easily accessible.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for flight alerts from your airline and check official airport websites for updates.
- Understand Entry Requirements: If you are traveling to or from the European Union, make sure you know the entry and exit rules for your destination. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) provides official information on travel regulations and passenger rights.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Next Steps
The tragic event at Milan Bergamo Airport involving a Volotea Airlines Airbus A319 has brought airport security and passenger safety into sharp focus. While the immediate priority is to support those affected and complete the investigation, the long-term goal is to make sure such incidents do not happen again.
For travelers, the key takeaway is to stay informed, know your rights, and be prepared for unexpected disruptions. For airport operators and airlines, the challenge is to balance strong security with efficient, passenger-friendly operations.
As Milan Bergamo Airport continues to grow and invest in new technology, the hope is that future travel will be safer, smoother, and more reliable for everyone. In the meantime, passengers should follow official updates, keep their documents ready, and remember that help is available—both from airlines and airport staff—when things go wrong.
By working together, airports, airlines, and travelers can turn difficult moments into opportunities for improvement and ensure that air travel remains safe and accessible for all.
Learn Today
Volotea Airlines → A Spanish low-cost airline operating flights primarily in Europe, involved in the Milan Bergamo incident.
Airbus A319 → A narrow-body, short-to-medium range commercial jet airliner used by airlines including Volotea.
Pushback maneuver → The process of moving an aircraft backwards from the gate using a special vehicle before taxiing.
SACBO → Società Aeroporto Civile di Bergamo Orio al Serio, the operator managing Milan Bergamo Airport.
EU Regulation 261/2004 → European Union law protecting air passengers’ rights regarding flight delays, cancellations, and compensations.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 8, 2025, Milan Bergamo Airport faced chaos after a fatal security breach involving a Volotea Airbus A319. Nineteen flights were canceled, causing major delays. The incident revealed security vulnerabilities, prompting urgent reviews and future technological upgrades to protect passengers and improve emergency responses at this key Italian hub.
— By VisaVerge.com
