Man killed after ‘throwing himself’ into plane engine at Milan airport

Flights halted as man runs into aircraft engine.

Flights were temporarily grounded at Milan Bergamo International Airport in northern Italy after a tragic incident in which a man was killed upon entering the engine of a plane. Authorities have confirmed the individual deliberately approached the aircraft and entered the engine while it was preparing for departure.

According to local police, the man appeared to intentionally run onto the runway, bypassing all security measures. He was not affiliated with the airport nor was he a passenger. The aircraft involved belonged to Volotea, a Spanish low-cost carrier that was due to depart for Asturias, Spain.

Eyewitnesses stated that the 35-year-old drove in the wrong direction on an airport access road before abandoning his vehicle near the terminal. He then sprinted through the arrivals area and accessed the runway via an emergency exit. Despite immediate efforts by security and police to apprehend him, the man managed to reach the plane unhindered.

He then ran directly towards the engine, which was already running in preparation for takeoff. The resulting impact caused an immediate suspension of operations at the airport. Authorities halted all flights from 10:20am to midday local time while the scene was secured and an investigation commenced.

The airport has since resumed normal operations, although the flight originally scheduled to depart for Asturias at 10:35am was postponed until 3:55pm. A full police investigation is now underway to determine the man’s identity and motive, although foul play by others has not been suspected.

A spokesperson for Milan Bergamo Airport confirmed that the man had no known connection to the airport, its personnel, or the airline. Volotea, in a statement posted on social media, confirmed that none of the 154 passengers or six crew members were harmed in the incident. The company also expressed deep regret and pledged to offer psychological support to everyone affected.

The airline reiterated its cooperation with Italian authorities and stated it was doing everything possible to ensure the welfare of those onboard. Counselling services were arranged for passengers and staff in the aftermath of the traumatic event.

This incident has raised questions about airport security and emergency access protocols, especially regarding how an unauthorised individual could gain such proximity to an active aircraft. Airport officials have not yet provided details on any changes to procedures following the breach.