Data network faults slow air traffic across Italy, Enav rules out hacker attack

Overnight network anomalies

Enav reported that anomalies appeared overnight in the data transmission network that supports air traffic control services across the whole of Italy. According to the agency, contingency systems kept traffic management running without any loss of operational capacity until 6:00 on 16 October.

Flow controls from 6:00

From 6:00, as traffic kept rising and the anomalies persisted, Enav introduced flow regulation measures to keep operations safe. The measures temporarily reduce the number of aircraft the system can handle in Italian airspace. Dpa reported that the disruption had been affecting traffic for several hours.

1. OvernightAnomalies appear in the data transmission network
2. Until 6:00Contingency systems keep traffic management running without loss of capacity
3. From 6:00Flow regulation measures temporarily reduce aircraft handling capacity

No sign of an attack

Enav has ruled out any link between the fault and deliberate interference. The agency's statement put it this way:

It is ruled out that the anomalies are attributable to malicious activity.

Dpa reported that the authority initially excluded both a hacker attack and sabotage, and gave no further detail on the background to the disruption.

Impact on flights

Dpa reported that aircraft due to take off or land in Italy are affected, as are planes that only cross Italian airspace. Enav handles about two million flights a year and is responsible for monitoring, control and safe operation of the Italian airspace, including large airports such as Rome and Milan.

Restoring systems

Technical checks are still underway and have identified the origin of the anomalies in the data transmission network. Enav says it is working to determine the causes and to restore full operation of its systems. The reports did not give a timeline for full recovery.