Naples Radar Breakdown Snarls Summer Travel Plans

Yesterday, air traffic at Naples International Airport ran into trouble when the radar system used to guide incoming planes failed, making it difficult to handle flights safely. The fault, reported by ENAV, the national air traffic authority, resulted in significant delays and cancellations. With the radar system down, controllers couldn’t guide planes the way they normally do, so they had to shuffle landing times and cut down how many aircraft could enter the skies near the airport at once. Official details about how air traffic was managed during the outage have not been disclosed.

The radar failure led to delays and cancellations, according to the airport's official notice. Passengers were instructed to contact their airlines for the latest information. The disruption caused delays and uncertainty for travellers at the terminal, particularly for those with onward connections through Naples. Airlines and airport staff worked to manage the situation on site, although full details about assistance efforts have not been made public.

The issue came from the ENAV radar that normally keeps track of planes flying close to the airport. Without the system, it became harder to manage incoming flights, which reduced the number of landings for safety reasons. Travellers were advised to check updates through official channels. There has been no confirmed estimate for when the system will return to full operation. There has been no confirmed estimate for when the system will return to full operation. How long the disruption lasts could also hinge on the results of technical inspections still underway.

While no formal advice has been issued, here are general steps travellers can take in case of unexpected airport disruptions:

• Look up real-time flight status through your airline or the airport's website.
• Call your airline if your flight changes so you can sort out new plans or request a refund.
• Get to the airport with some extra time to spare, queues might be slower than usual or things could get backed up unexpectedly.
• Book hotels that let you cancel or shift dates easily, just in case you need an extra night.
• Stash your travel documents in multiple spots, keep digital versions on your phone and printed copies in your bag so you’re covered if anything goes missing.
• If your flight’s cancelled, see if another airport close by has departures that can still get you to where you’re going.
• Pop onto the airport or ENAV sites every so often so a surprise schedule change doesn’t catch you off guard.

The radar malfunction at Naples Airport led to major delays, highlighting how one technical issue can disrupt regular flight operations. Travellers passing through Naples in the coming days should remain adaptable and prepared. While faults of this nature are uncommon, they underline the need for contingency options when flying during peak periods. The incident also raises broader questions about infrastructure resilience during high-traffic months, especially in regions popular with international visitors.