Milan Flights Hit by 400+ Disruptions Before Carnival
As the vibrant Carnival season approaches, travelers heading to Milan are facing significant hurdles in the skies. Recent data reveals nearly 400 flight disruptions across Italy's major airports, with Milan Malpensa and Linate bearing a substantial share. This wave of delays and cancellations, reported on February 9, 2026, by AirHelp, underscores the mounting pressures on Europe's aviation sector, particularly as festive demand spikes.
The Scale of the Disruptions
On February 7, 2026, Italy's airports logged 383 delayed flights and 13 cancellations, affecting key hubs including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo, and Catania. Milan, a gateway for fashion enthusiasts, business professionals, and holidaymakers, saw disproportionate impacts. Ryanair, the low-cost carrier dominant in the region, reported 121 affected services, making it the hardest hit airline. ITA Airways and easyJet followed closely, with dozens of flights grounded or postponed.
Morning peak hours were the most chaotic, with average departure delays surpassing 55 minutes. Passengers at Milan Malpensa, Europe's sixth-busiest airport, endured long queues and uncertain wait times, while Linate—known for its city-center proximity and business traffic—saw ripple effects on short-haul European routes. For UK travelers, popular connections from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester to Milan were among the casualties, exacerbating frustration for those planning Carnival escapes or work trips.
Airline-Specific Impacts
Ryanair's extensive network through Bergamo's Orio al Serio airport amplified the disruptions, as budget travelers en route to Milan's nightlife and cultural sites found alternatives scarce. ITA Airways, Italy's flag carrier, struggled with inter-hub connections, while easyJet's delays hit leisure routes from the UK hardest. Airlines preemptively cancelled flights to manage crew rotations, a move that stranded thousands and forced last-minute rebookings.
Root Causes Behind the Chaos
Ground-handling unions point to a perfect storm of factors fueling these Milan flight woes. Post-pandemic staffing shortages remain a persistent issue, with airports operating at reduced capacity despite recovering passenger volumes. Slot congestion has intensified due to the Carnival rush, as families and tourists flock to Venice and Milan's surrounding areas for pre-Lent celebrations.
Heavy rainfall along the Tyrrhenian coast added to the turmoil, grounding flights and requiring de-icing operations even in milder February conditions. Airport operators in Milan deployed reserve ramp crews, but the strain proved overwhelming. This incident highlights broader vulnerabilities in Italy's aviation infrastructure, where demand for flights to Milan—often a hub for connecting to northern Italy's industrial heartland—outpaces recovery efforts.
Broader Industry Context
These disruptions come amid a wave of labor unrest in Italy. Recent rail strikes in Lombardy have already snarled access to Malpensa, and upcoming actions by easyJet crews and helicopter operators threaten further chaos. Observers note that without addressing staffing gaps, similar issues could escalate with the EU's Entry/Exit System rollout in April 2026, introducing biometric checks that may bottleneck non-Schengen arrivals at Milan airports.
Impacts on Travelers and Businesses
The fallout extends beyond individual inconvenience. Corporate itineraries have been upended: Milan Fashion Week fittings were missed, pharmaceutical congresses in Bologna saw key delegates delayed, and wine-sector trade shows in Verona reported disrupted supply chains. For UK businesses with ties to Italy's luxury and manufacturing sectors, these Milan flight delays translate to lost productivity and rescheduling costs.
Leisure travelers, particularly from the UK eyeing Milan's Duomo, Last Supper viewings, or day trips to Lake Como, face extended layovers or overnight stays. With Carnival's masked balls and parades drawing crowds, hotel rates in Milan have surged, compounding financial strain for affected passengers.
Compensation and Rights Under EU261
UK passengers on EU-registered flights to Milan may qualify for EU261 compensation, but caveats apply. Weather-related delays often fall outside reimbursable categories, though airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation for waits exceeding two hours. Experts advise verifying booking terms and opting for fully refundable fares through mid-February to mitigate risks.
Practical Advice for UK Travelers
Navigating Milan flights requires proactive planning. Travel managers recommend building four-hour buffers into same-day connections and considering alternative routings via Venice Marco Polo or Naples Capodichino. Monitor flights 24 and three hours before departure using apps from airlines or third-party trackers like Flightradar24.
For those needing to re-route, ensure travel documents are in order. UK citizens require no visa for short Schengen stays, but expedited services via platforms like VisaHQ can help with real-time application tracking if extensions arise. Remind staff that even without compensation, airlines owe care during disruptions—demand it if needed.
Looking ahead, June's leisure peak could amplify these issues, especially with the EU Entry/Exit System adding layers to border processing at Milan Linate. Travelers should stay informed via official airport sites and prepare for potential strikes or weather events that routinely challenge flights to Milan.
Outlook for Milan's Aviation Recovery
While airport operators promise bolstered staffing for Carnival, the February disruptions serve as a wake-up call. Italy's aviation sector, pivotal for Milan's role as a European economic powerhouse, must invest in resilient infrastructure. For now, UK flyers to Milan should temper expectations, pack patience, and have backup plans ready. As Carnival festivities unfold, the true test will be whether airlines can restore smooth skies over Lombardy.
In this era of volatile travel, staying adaptable is key. Whether for business or pleasure, Milan remains a must-visit, but its flights demand vigilance.
