Naples – After 48 hours of disruption, air traffic at Naples Capodichino International Airport has returned to normal. This morning, ENAV completed work to replace the defective mechanical component of the radar system, which had caused flights to be grounded since Tuesday, June 10.
The emergency budget
23 flights cancelled today (on domestic and international routes)
19 flights diverted: 15 to Salerno, 2 to Rome Fiumicino and 2 converted to ground transport
Delays of up to 150 minutes for operational flights
35.000 passengers involved (estimate ItaliaRimborso)
“The situation is returning to normal, but there are still repercussions on connections,” confirm sources from Gesac, the airport management company.
Chronicle of a foretold disservice
The failure of the approach radar – crucial for the safety of take-offs and landings – had triggered a domino effect:
Monday 9th June: first blackout, chaos in the terminal with queues at the reassignment desks
Night between 9th and 10th June: urgent technical intervention by ENAV
13:26 today: last flight diverted to Salerno
Passengers at the end of their tether
“I was supposed to be in Berlin for surgery: I missed the appointment,” says Lucia, 62, stuck for 18 hours. Many travelers report:
Poor real-time information
Extra expenses for hotels and alternative transportation
Economic damages for those travelling for work
What is expected of travellers?
Despite the restoration of the service, ItaliaRimborso reminds:
Right to reimbursement of documented expenses (food/lodging/transport)
No compensation for “exceptional circumstances” (art. EU Reg. 261/2004)
Obligation of assistance by companies (information, meals, calls)
Residual delays on some afternoon flights
Advice to passengers: check the status of your flight before going to the airport
The situation at the airport was really serious, but now it seems that everything has been sorted out. We hope that there will be no more problems in the future, especially for passengers who have suffered considerable inconvenience and delays.