Strong reduction in air traffic in Italy, data network problems

Air traffic slowed down significantly throughout Italy due to a series of anomalies in the data transmission network supporting air traffic control services across the entire national territory. "Starting from 6:00, in consideration of the progressive increase in air traffic and the persistence of anomalies, to continue to guarantee maximum safety of operations - informs Enav - flow regulation measures have been introduced, which entail a temporary reduction in the management capacity of aircraft in Italian airspace".

"It is excluded that the anomalies are attributable to malicious activity." Enav underlines this by stating that there is neither a hacker attack nor sabotage behind the fault which is significantly slowing down air traffic in Italy.

The anomalies "on the geographical data transmission network in support of air traffic control services throughout the national territory" were found "during the night", the note informs. And "thanks to the activation of the foreseen contingency systems, Enav guaranteed the regular management of air traffic until 6:00 this morning, without any reduction in operational capacity". The technical checks, "still ongoing, have identified the origin of the anomalies in the data transmission network. Enav is working to identify the causes and restore full operation of the systems".