Travelers flying through Milan Bergamo Airport today got an unpleasant surprise when a burst tire on a passenger plane led to a closure of the runway.
450 meters of the runway were damaged by the burst tires of a Ryanair plane. The airport authorities responded by closing the airport for repairs, but the closure was temporary, with the airport expected to reopen at 5 p.m. on the same day (October 1, 2024), pending successful resurfacing.
A Runway Out of Commission
It all started when a Ryanair plane experienced a tire burst during landing, leading to significant damage to the runway. As a result, a large section—450 meters to be exact—has been rendered unusable, and airport authorities were left with no choice but to close the airport for safety reasons. Repairs were conducted immediately, with a planned reopening by 5 p.m. on the same day. However, travelers are advised to check the Milan Bergamo Airport’s official website for real-time updates, as delays may still occur.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you’ve got an upcoming flight, brace yourself for potential delays or cancellations. Milan Bergamo is a hub for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, and thousands of passengers experienced delays and rerouted flights. Airlines, particularly Ryanair, have been rerouting flights to nearby airports like Milan Linate and Malpensa. If you’re flying out of Orio al Serio, now is the time to double-check your flight status and be prepared for potential rerouting to Milan’s Linate or Malpensa airports.
How Long Will It Take to Fix?
With 450 meters of the runway damaged, repair crews are working around the clock, but it’s unclear exactly when the airport will reopen. The airport authority did provide a reopening timeline, aiming to have the runway operational by 5 p.m. on the same day. However, delays may persist depending on how quickly repairs are finalized.
Ryanair Travelers—Be Prepared for Rebookings
If you’re flying Ryanair, you’ll want to stay alert. The airline has been rerouting and canceling flights since the incident occurred. Ryanair is offering rebooking options, but with other airports also seeing increased traffic, options could be limited. Be proactive—check Ryanair’s website or app for the latest updates.
What You Can Do in the Meantime
Stuck in Bergamo or waiting for your flight? Luckily, there are some ways to make the most of your time in the area. Bergamo itself is a charming city with a rich history, and if you’re delayed, take a detour into Città Alta—the upper town. It’s a medieval walled city full of narrow, cobbled streets, and it’s only a short ride from the airport.
Nearby Airports as Alternatives
While Milan Bergamo is closed, flights are being redirected to Milan Linate and Malpensa airports. Linate is much closer to Milan’s city center, making it more convenient if you’re heading into the city, while Malpensa is the larger of the two and likely has more options for long-haul flights.
What to Expect When the Airport Reopens
Once repairs are completed, operations will gradually return to normal. However, it’s likely that there will be a backlog of delayed flights and an uptick in passenger traffic. Be prepared for longer wait times as the airport tries to play catch-up after days of closures.
Staying Informed
For up-to-the-minute updates, Milan Bergamo Airport’s official website is your best bet. The airport is providing frequent notifications about the status of repairs and flight information.
Refunds and Compensation—Are You Eligible?
If your flight has been canceled or significantly delayed due to the runway closure, you may be entitled to compensation. EU regulations require airlines to provide compensation for certain delays and cancellations, so check with your airline to see if you qualify.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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