Ed Finn reports from Italy
A tragic and unsettling event unfolded at Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo, northern Italy, on Tuesday morning, leading to a temporary suspension of all flights.
The incident occurred around 10:20am local time, when a man accessed the taxiway and was fatally injured after reportedly being drawn into the engine of a Volotea aircraft that was preparing for departure to Asturias, Spain.
Flights Grounded and Delayed
Following the incident, authorities at SACBO, the airport management company, swiftly halted all flight operations to investigate and ensure safety across the airfield.
This led to the immediate grounding of several departures including Ryanair flights to destinations such as Zadar, Tirana, Naples, Kos, Prague, and Malta, as well as a Eurowings service to Düsseldorf.
By midday, air traffic had cautiously resumed, but passengers were warned to expect ongoing delays as airport operations gradually returned to normal. Afternoon departures, including routes to Fez, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cagliari, Istanbul (AJet) and Casablanca (Air Arabia), were also affected.
What Happened?
According to reports in the Corriere della Sera and ANSA, a 35-year-old man appears to have abandoned his car outside the terminal, gained access through the arrivals area, and breached a security door leading to the airfield.
He then ran directly towards the Volotea aircraft, which was in the process of pushback prior to takeoff. Tragically, he was killed in the incident. Authorities have confirmed that the individual was neither a passenger nor an employee, and local sources suggest the man may have taken his own life.
An official investigation is now underway to understand how the security breach occurred and to ensure similar incidents are prevented in future.
A Sobering Reminder
Events like this bring into sharp focus the fragility of travel safety, not just from an operational standpoint, but from a human one. Airports are designed for efficiency, security, and the excitement of new journeys. But behind the scenes, they are also places where real human stories—sometimes painful ones—unfold.
If you’re flying into or out of Milan-Bergamo in the coming days, it’s advisable to check with your airline for real-time updates, and allow extra time at the airport due to residual delays.
Why Bergamo Still Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
While the headlines from Orio al Serio are unfortunate, don’t let them overshadow the beauty of Bergamo itself — a stunning, walled city just 37 miles (60 km) from Milan. Perfect for a day trip, Bergamo rewards visitors with its Upper Town (Città Alta) — a maze of cobbled alleyways, charming shops, and centuries-old churches. The panoramic views alone are worth the Ryanair ticket. So if you’re flying in, consider spending a few hours wandering its medieval streets before hopping down to Milan.
This hidden gem has long been a favourite of mine, and a place filled with beauty and understated Italian grace.
Travel is about movement, connection, and wonder — but it’s also about empathy. Spare a thought today for the airline staff, passengers, and emergency workers who witnessed this tragic event.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is always available. In Ireland, visit aware.ie or contact your local mental health services.
