Last night, a malfunction occurred in the radar data transmission system at the Area Control Center (ACC) of Milan, responsible for managing air traffic over north-western Italy. The issue affected the connectivity that enables the influx of radar data to the operations room, which is provided by an external telecommunications supplier, namely Tim.

The malfunction impacted both the primary and backup links of the Enet operational network, which redundantly connects all Enav sites. Other components of the network—including those related to voice, flight data, meteorological information, and NOTAMs (Notice to Air Men)—continued to operate normally, as did the ACC's data processing and presentation systems.

Enav (Italian Flight Assistance Company) immediately activated its emergency system based on satellite connectivity, managed by an alternative provider. Although this system delivers reduced performance, it was crucial in ensuring the safe management of flights already present in Italian airspace at the time of the event.

In compliance with international safety standards, the reduced system does not allow continuous air traffic management. For this reason, from 8:20pm (local hour) to 10:20pm, a zero rate, i.e., a temporary suspension of new takeoffs and entries into northwestern Italy’s airspace, was implemented.

The progressive restoration of connections enabled a gradual return to normal operations, with traffic capacity restored to 50% as early as 10:20pm. Full service restoration occurred by 11:45pm.

The service provided by the Milan ACC relies on a multitude of technological systems—radio, radar surveillance, flight data processing, alarms, and auxiliary supports—designed with maximum reliability criteria and equipped with redundancy to guarantee continuity and safety even in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Enav emphasizes that although the event originated from external causes, it was managed effectively and promptly, minimizing operational impact and ensuring air traffic safety at every stage.

The Chief Executive Officer Pasqualino Monti stated: "We are a company providing a strategic and delicate service, and for this reason we employ the best technologies and the finest professionals available. This unquestionably makes us the best service provider in Europe. In a critical moment such as yesterday’s, although the issue was not attributable to Enav’s systems, our engineers and technicians intervened incredibly fast and resolved a problem caused by the provider Tim. Those who habitually criticize such events, which can happen, forget that when it comes to air traffic, we are not just talking about the fundamental right to mobility but above all about human lives that can in no way be put at risk. Talking about the vulnerability of the control system is irresponsible or, at best, the stance of those who are ignorant of the subject and seek only to exploit it for political purposes".