Key Takeaways
• Radar glitch at Milan Area Control Centre halted over 300 flights for nearly two hours on June 28, 2025.
• Disruption affected major northern Italy airports and thousands of passengers, exposing weaknesses in Italy’s air traffic systems.
• ENAV cited failure linked to external telecom provider TIM; investigation ongoing with no evidence of cyberattack.
A radar glitch at Milan’s Area Control Centre on June 28, 2025, triggered a sudden and widespread flight halt across northern Italy 🇮🇹, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and exposing serious weaknesses in the country’s air traffic control systems. The disruption, which lasted for nearly two hours, affected major airports in Lombardy, Piedmont, Aosta Valley, and Liguria, grounding or delaying over 300 flights and impacting both domestic and international travel. As authorities and airlines scrambled to respond, the incident raised urgent questions about the reliability of Italy’s aviation infrastructure and the rights of passengers caught in the chaos.
What Happened: The Radar Glitch and Its Immediate Impact
On Saturday evening, June 28, 2025, at around 8:20 p.m. local time, air traffic controllers at Milan’s Area Control Centre detected a serious malfunction in their radar transmission system. This radar glitch quickly led to a complete halt of all flights in and out of northern Italy’s busiest airports, including Malpensa, Linate, Bergamo, Turin, and Genoa. For nearly two hours, no planes could take off or land, and the airspace remained closed until 10:20 p.m. Full operations were not restored until midnight.
The radar glitch disrupted the flow of critical information—radar, weather, and technical data—from control towers to aircraft cockpits. This breakdown in communication made it impossible for air traffic controllers to safely manage flights, forcing ENAV, Italy’s air navigation service provider, to activate emergency protocols. According to ENAV, “The problem affected the connectivity that allows radar data to flow to the operations room, which is provided by an external telecommunications supplier, namely TIM (Telecom Italia).”
Scope of the Disruption: Airports, Airlines, and Passengers
The flight halt affected a large swath of northern Italy 🇮🇹, including the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Aosta Valley, and Liguria. The main airports impacted were:
- Milan Malpensa
- Milan Linate
- Bergamo
- Turin
- Genoa
Estimates suggest that between 300 and 350 flights were either grounded or delayed during the radar glitch. Major airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, SAS, TAP Air Portugal, and Aegean Airlines all faced significant disruptions. Thousands of passengers found themselves stranded at airports, with many unable to get immediate help or information from airlines or airport staff.
At Milan’s airports, emergency accommodations were set up, including 200 camp beds for those unable to leave. However, many travelers reported a lack of support, closed airport facilities, and confusion about when flights would resume. Rome’s airport authority advised people to avoid traveling to northern Italy 🇮🇹 unless absolutely necessary and to check with airlines before heading to the airport.
Technical Details: What Caused the Radar Glitch?
The root of the problem was a failure in the radar transmission system at Milan’s Area Control Centre, which is managed by ENAV. The glitch interrupted the flow of radar, meteorological, and technical data from control towers to pilots, making it impossible to safely direct air traffic. ENAV quickly switched to a satellite-based backup system to manage flights already in the air, but all new departures and arrivals were stopped to ensure safety.
ENAV explained that the issue was linked to connectivity provided by an external telecommunications supplier, TIM (Telecom Italia). However, TIM denied direct responsibility, stating that radar operations depend on several systems managed by different operators. TIM expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would clarify the exact cause and responsibility for the radar glitch.
Emergency Response and Restoration of Service
Once the radar glitch was detected, ENAV followed international safety protocols by halting all new flights and activating backup systems. The priority was to safely manage planes already in the air and prevent any risk to passengers and crew. After about two hours, at 10:15 p.m., air traffic controllers began gradually resuming operations. By midnight, flight schedules had returned to normal, but the effects of the disruption continued into the next day as airlines worked through the backlog of delayed and canceled flights.
Passenger Rights and Practical Challenges
Under European Union regulations, travelers affected by flight delays and cancellations are entitled to compensation and support, including meals, accommodation, and rebooking options. However, the practical reality at the airports was mixed. Some airlines were able to provide assistance, while others struggled due to the scale of the disruption and limited staff on hand. Many passengers reported difficulty finding information or getting help, especially late at night when airport services were reduced.
If you were affected by the radar glitch and flight halt, it’s important to:
- Contact your airline as soon as possible for rebooking and compensation.
- Keep all receipts for expenses such as meals, accommodation, and transportation.
- Check the official EU passenger rights page for detailed information on your entitlements: Your Europe – Air passenger rights.
Advice for Travelers: What to Do Next
For those planning to travel to or from northern Italy 🇮🇹 in the days following the incident, authorities recommended:
- Avoid traveling to affected airports unless your flight is confirmed as operating.
- Check flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor airport websites and official social media channels for the latest updates.
The main airport websites for updates are:
Industry and Expert Analysis: Why This Matters
ENAV described the radar glitch as one of the most severe technological blackouts in recent years. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in Italy’s air traffic control systems, especially the reliance on external telecommunications providers and the need for robust backup systems. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Milan radar outage is part of a growing pattern of radar and IT failures disrupting global air travel in 2025. Similar incidents have occurred in the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Brazil 🇧🇷, France 🇫🇷, and India 🇮🇳, raising concerns about the resilience of aviation infrastructure worldwide.
The event has prompted calls for greater investment in backup systems, cybersecurity, and better coordination between air traffic control agencies and telecom providers. ENAV and Italian authorities are now reviewing their systems and considering policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ongoing Investigation: Who Is Responsible?
As of June 30, 2025, the root cause of the radar glitch remains under investigation. The focus is on the interaction between ENAV’s systems and external telecom providers like TIM. While there is no evidence of a cyberattack or malicious interference, the incident has highlighted the complexity of modern air traffic control systems and the risks of relying on multiple external partners for critical infrastructure.
TIM has stated that radar operations depend on several systems managed by different operators and that they are cooperating fully with the investigation. ENAV is also working with government authorities to identify any weaknesses and implement improvements.
Broader Context: A Global Trend of Radar and IT Failures
The Milan radar glitch is not an isolated event. In 2025, several countries have experienced similar disruptions due to radar or IT system failures. These incidents have caused widespread flight delays, cancellations, and passenger frustration. Experts warn that as air traffic control systems become more digital and interconnected, the risk of technical failures increases.
Countries are now under pressure to:
- Invest in more reliable backup systems
- Improve cybersecurity measures
- Strengthen coordination between air traffic control agencies and telecom providers
- Ensure clear communication with passengers during disruptions
Short-Term and Long-Term Outlook
In the short term, airlines and airports in northern Italy 🇮🇹 are working to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights. Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines and monitor official updates.
In the long term, the radar glitch is likely to lead to significant changes in how Italy 🇮🇹 and other countries manage air traffic control systems. Authorities may introduce new rules requiring stronger backup and contingency plans, and there may be increased investment in modernizing infrastructure. The incident could also accelerate efforts at the European level to improve cross-border coordination and information sharing between air traffic control agencies.
Implications for Stakeholders: Who Was Affected and How
- Passengers:
Thousands of travelers faced delays, cancellations, and overnight stays at airports. Many struggled to get information or assistance, especially late at night when airport services were limited. -
Airlines:
Major carriers had to cancel or delay hundreds of flights, rebook passengers, and provide emergency support. The disruption also affected airline schedules for days afterward. -
Airport Authorities:
Airport staff worked to provide emergency accommodations and information, but many facilities were closed or understaffed during the incident. -
ENAV and Telecom Providers:
The incident has put pressure on ENAV and its partners to improve system reliability and clarify responsibilities for critical infrastructure. -
Travel Industry:
The radar glitch and flight halt have raised concerns about the resilience of the travel sector and the need for better crisis management.
Resources and Contacts for Affected Passengers
If you were affected by the radar glitch and flight halt, here are some key contacts:
- ENAV (Italian Air Navigation Service Provider):
- Website: www.enav.it
- Email: [email protected]
- Airlines:
- Contact your airline’s customer service for rebooking, compensation, and support.
- Airport Information:
- European Passenger Rights:
What This Means for the Future of Air Travel
The radar glitch and resulting flight halt in northern Italy 🇮🇹 serve as a wake-up call for the aviation industry. As air traffic control systems become more digital and interconnected, the risk of technical failures grows. Authorities, airlines, and telecom providers must work together to strengthen backup systems, improve communication, and ensure that passengers are protected when things go wrong.
For travelers, the incident is a reminder to always check flight status before heading to the airport, keep important documents and receipts, and know your rights under European law. For the industry, it’s a call to invest in more resilient infrastructure and better crisis management.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers
- Always check your flight status before leaving for the airport, especially during periods of disruption.
- Keep all travel documents and receipts in case you need to claim compensation or reimbursement.
- Know your rights under European Union regulations, which guarantee support and compensation for delays and cancellations.
- Contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information and assistance.
- Monitor official airport and airline websites for real-time updates.
Conclusion
The radar glitch that caused a major flight halt in northern Italy 🇮🇹 on June 28, 2025, was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern air traffic control systems. With over 300 flights affected and thousands of passengers stranded, the incident has sparked urgent reviews of aviation infrastructure and passenger support systems. As investigations continue, travelers and industry stakeholders alike are watching closely for changes that will make air travel safer and more reliable in the future.
For more information on air traffic control and aviation safety in Italy 🇮🇹, visit the official ENAV website: www.enav.it.
Learn Today
Radar Glitch → A sudden failure in radar systems disrupting the tracking and control of aircraft.
Area Control Centre → A facility managing air traffic in a designated airspace region.
ENAV → Italy’s national air navigation service provider responsible for air traffic control.
Flight Halt → A temporary stoppage of all flights due to safety or technical issues.
Passenger Rights → EU rules guaranteeing support and compensation for disrupted air travelers.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 28, 2025, a radar glitch stopped flights across northern Italy for two hours, grounding over 300 flights. Thousands of passengers were stranded. The failure exposed Italy’s vulnerability in air traffic control, raising urgent calls for infrastructure upgrades and better airline passenger support during disruptions.
— By VisaVerge.com
