A man lost his life on Tuesday morning at Milan Bergamo Airport after being sucked into the engine of a departing aircraft. The incident occurred as a Volotea Airbus A319 was taxiing for take-off, preparing for its scheduled flight to Asturias, Spain.
Reports from Italian media indicate that the individual, believed to be around 35 years old, accessed the tarmac by entering the terminal incorrectly. After leaving his car behind, he proceeded through the arrivals area on the ground floor, where he managed to open a secured door that led directly to the aircraft parking space.&nbsp;
The man then made his way across the restricted area and was pulled into the engine as the aircraft was being pushed back from its stand.
Volotea confirmed the presence of 154 passengers on board, along with six airline personnel, including two pilots and four cabin crew. In a message posted on X, the airline assured the public that it is offering full psychological assistance to both passengers and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Operations at the airport, also referred to as Orio al Serio, were suspended at 10:20 am following the incident. SACBO, which manages the facility, acknowledged a &ldquo;problem that occurred on the taxiway&rdquo; and noted that authorities were currently investigating the situation.&nbsp;
In an earlier statement, SACBO had informed travellers: &ldquo;Operations are suspended due to an aircraft grounded on the runway because of technical problems. Departing flights are delayed, and arrivals may be diverted or cancelled.&rdquo;
Flight activity at the airport resumed shortly after midday. However, the disruption led to the cancellation of eight outbound flights, the diversion of nine incoming planes, and the rerouting of six others. Milan Bergamo, one of Italy&rsquo;s busiest airports, served more than 17 million passengers last year.
The Italian authorities have now launched an official investigation into the breach and are working to determine how the man was able to enter such a secure zone and approach an active aircraft during taxiing procedures.
&nbsp;

Ground breach at busy Italian airport ends in fatal accident involving Volotea passenger plane.

Man Breaches Airport Zone, Killed by Aircraft Engine

Ground breach at busy Italian airport ends in fatal accident involving Volotea passenger plane.

July 9, 2025 | 06:58 IST