Milan Airport Shock: Man Dies After Tragic Runway Incident at Bergamo
Bergamo, Italy – A horrifying accident brought operations at Milan airport’s Bergamo hub to a sudden halt on Tuesday, after a man tragically lost his life on the runway.
All flights at Orio al Serio Airport were suspended from 10:20am to midday local time, sparking delays and diversions. The airport operator, SACBO, stated the disruption was caused by “a problem that occurred on the taxiway.”
In a message posted on social media, SACBO confirmed: “SACBO advises that due to an aircraft grounded on the runway due to technical problems, operations are suspended. Departing flights are delayed and arriving flights may be diverted or cancelled until reopened.”
Local authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Italian news outlets are reporting that the man, thought to be around 35 years old, was “sucked into the engine of a plane that was preparing for takeoff.”
According to Corriere della Sera, the man gained access to a restricted zone after entering the airport the wrong way, abandoning his vehicle, and making his way toward the runway.
“Once he had entered the arrivals area – which is on the ground floor – he is said to have opened a security door that leads directly to the aircraft parking areas,” the outlet reported.
Officials confirmed the deceased was neither an airport employee nor a passenger on any flight. His identity has not yet been made public.
The aircraft involved was a Volotea Airbus A319, preparing for departure to Asturias in Spain. The plane had reportedly completed boarding and was manoeuvring when the incident unfolded.
Volotea issued a statement shortly after: “We’re investigating reports of an incident involving our flight V73511 BGY-OVD, which occurred on the ground after boarding was completed and ready for departure. We’re aware that one individual has sustained serious injuries involving the aircraft engine.”
Operations at the busy hub resumed just before midday, but the incident sent shockwaves through staff, passengers, and the wider aviation community.
The airport, a major gateway for budget travellers flying in and out of Milan airport, handled over 17 million passengers in 2024 and serves as a key base for Ryanair.
This isn’t the first time Bergamo airport has faced runway troubles. Last October, a Ryanair flight burst four tyres upon landing, damaging a stretch of the runway and causing another temporary shutdown.
Tuesday’s tragedy, however, is of a far graver nature.
As investigators work to piece together how the man accessed the runway and what led to his death, questions about airport security are already being raised. The aviation world, meanwhile, is left stunned and grieving.
