Published on
January 10, 2026
Italy is facing significant travel disruptions as major airlines, including Wizz Air Malta, Ryanair, Buzz, British Airways, and Air France, struggle with 26 flight cancellations and multiple delays. These setbacks are severely affecting passengers and causing widespread inconvenience at airports in Milan and Rome. Travelers heading to and from these bustling Italian hubs are experiencing frustration due to the unpredictable delays, which have left many stranded or rerouted. Milan’s Malpensa International and Rome’s Fiumicino International airports are seeing the worst of the chaos, with flights either delayed or canceled without prior notice. Airlines such as Wizz Air Malta and Ryanair have been among the most affected, while other carriers like Buzz and Air France are also facing challenges. The situation is a headache for travelers, particularly during peak travel times. Authorities are working to address the ongoing issues, but the disruptions have left passengers feeling stranded and helpless.
Affected Cities and Airports
The two major airports in Italy: Malpensa International Airport, located in Milan, and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino International Airport), situated in Rome. These airports are key travel hubs, serving as the primary gateways for both domestic and international flights to and from Italy. Milan, known for its fashion and business influence, is home to Malpensa, while Rome, the capital city, hosts Fiumicino, the busiest airport in the country. Both airports play crucial roles in facilitating international travel, and any disruptions, such as cancellations or delays, can significantly impact the flow of passengers and air traffic across Italy.
AirportCancelledDelayedAirlineMalpensa Int’l511Wizz Air Malta47Ryanair31Buzz20British Airways24Air France20Helvetic10Nippon CargoLeonardo da Vinci Int’l (Fiumicino Int’l)42Vueling Airlines23KLM12British AirwaysAffected Airlines
The airlines include Wizz Air Malta, Ryanair, Buzz, British Airways, Air France, Helvetic, and Nippon Cargo. These airlines operate a range of domestic and international flights, with some, like Ryanair and Wizz Air Malta, known for their budget-friendly services, while others, such as British Airways and Air France, offer premium travel options. Buzz operates primarily as a regional carrier, while Helvetic and Nippon Cargo serve specific routes, with the latter specializing in cargo services. Each airline has been impacted by the ongoing disruptions, facing cancellations and delays that have affected flights to and from airports in Milan and Rome. These disruptions highlight the challenges faced by both low-cost carriers and full-service airlines in maintaining timely schedules amidst unforeseen setbacks.
Overview of Flight Cancellations
The provided table highlights significant flight cancellations at two major airports in Italy—Malpensa International Airport in Milan and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino International Airport) in Rome. These cancellations have affected several airlines, creating widespread disruption for travelers.
Malpensa International Airport (Milan):Wizz Air Malta faced 5 cancellations, which accounted for 7% of its flights at this airport.Ryanair saw 4 cancellations, making up 5% of its total flights operating from Milan.Buzz had a higher cancellation rate, with 3 cancellations representing 50% of its flights at Malpensa.British Airways experienced 2 cancellations, also accounting for 50% of its scheduled flights.Air France saw 2 cancellations, making up 16% of its flights at the airport.Helvetic had 2 cancellations, which represented 50% of its flights.Nippon Cargo also had 1 cancellation, making up 50% of its flights.Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome):Vueling Airlines experienced 4 cancellations, which represented 25% of its flights at Fiumicino.KLM had 2 cancellations, amounting to 25% of its flights.British Airways again saw 1 cancellation, making up 8% of its flights at Rome.The table indicates that airlines like Buzz, Helvetic, and British Airways experienced higher cancellation percentages, often impacting 50% or more of their scheduled flights at specific airports.Wizz Air Malta and Ryanair also faced notable cancellations, though these were less frequent in proportion to the total flights, with Wizz Air Malta seeing 7% and Ryanair seeing 5% cancellations.The cancellations are a major cause of concern for travelers, as they disrupt travel plans, leave passengers stranded, and affect overall airport operations.
This disruption at both Milan and Rome’s airports is a reminder of the challenges airlines face in maintaining on-time schedules and the potential consequences for passengers, especially during busy travel periods.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The disruptions at Milan and Rome airports have highlighted the challenges faced by major airlines like Wizz Air Malta, Ryanair, Buzz, British Airways, and Air France. With 26 cancellations and numerous delays, travelers have been left dealing with significant inconvenience, uncertainty, and frustration. The impact on passengers has been severe, especially during peak travel times. While authorities and airlines work to resolve the issues, the disruptions serve as a reminder of how vulnerable air travel can be to unexpected setbacks, affecting both airlines and their customers. Continued efforts are needed to minimize such travel setbacks.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
