Runway Injuries at Bergamo Airport Reach 450 Meters, Causing aviation setbacks
The Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) experienced an unexpected closure on August 6-7, 2025, following a fatal incident where a man ran onto the runway and was sucked into the engine of a Volotea flight preparing for takeoff.
During the closure period, flights were delayed or canceled, affecting multiple destinations including Crotone, Prague, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Istanbul, and others. Despite the disruptions, operations resumed at noon, although some delays persisted. The airport closure was primarily out of security and investigative necessity rather than physical repairs.
The incident caused short-term flight disruptions, but there is no current report of prolonged runway closure or repair work. Travelers were generally directed to nearby regional airports such as Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 50 km west of Bergamo, and Milan Linate Airport (LIN), closer to Milan city center, if Bergamo was temporarily unavailable.
The repair timeline is uncertain, but there are no indications of major repairs being necessary. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Passengers whose flights have been canceled or significantly delayed due to the runway closure may be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. It's important for travelers to check with their airlines to see if they qualify.
For those affected by the flight disruptions, Bergamo, a charming city with a rich history, can be visited as an alternative. Travelers are advised to check the Milan Bergamo Airport's official website for real-time updates.
Once the airport reopens, there may be a backlog of delayed flights and an uptick in passenger traffic, leading to longer wait times. Airlines, particularly Ryanair, have been rerouting flights to nearby airports like Milan Linate and Malpensa.
It's essential for travelers to stay informed and check the airport's official website for the latest updates on the runway repairs and flight information.
[1] Milan Bergamo Airport Official Website [2] Volotea Official Statement [3] Ryanair Official Statement [4] Milan Malpensa Airport Official Website [5] Milan Linate Airport Official Website
- To ensure trip success, travelers impacted by the Milan Bergamo Airport closure may find it helpful to check industry resources such as airline websites, including Volotea, Ryanair, and the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN), for real-time updates, rerouting information, and potential compensation under EU regulations for canceled or significantly delayed flights.
- Amid the aviation industry's financial impacts due to the unexpected incident, lifestyle tips for managing trip disruptions might include considering alternative transportation methods, such as trains or private services, and exploring nearby destinations like Milan, particularly its rich history and culture, as an alternative to Bergamo during any airport downtime.
- In light of the temporary transportations disruptions following the incident and the backlog of delayed flights once the Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) reopens, it's crucial to prioritize aviation safety and plan trips with extra buffer time, allowing for potential transportation delays and longer wait times at airports like Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Milan Linate Airport (LIN), and other destinations, as airlines work to catch up on schedules and manage increased passenger traffic.
