A man has been killed after being sucked into a jet engine at a major international airport, Italian media reports.
Flights were briefly suspended at Milan Bergamo Airport on Tuesday morning after a "fatal accident" involving a Volotea commercial plane.
The victim, who was in his 30s, was not a passenger on Flight V73511 bound for Asturias Airport in Spain.
He is believed to have broken into Italy’s third-busiest airport by driving the wrong way down a road.
The victim then abandoned his vehicle and ran towards the terminal.
A person has been sucked into an aircraft engine on the taxiway at Milan Bergamo Airport in Italy on Tuesday morning, the country's media reported.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) July 8, 2025
SACBO, the airport's operator, said flights were suspended at 10:20 a.m. local time "due to a problem that occurred on the… pic.twitter.com/heyFgR8x2W
Once inside the arrivals area, the man is said to have opened a security door that leads directly to the aircraft parking area.
Witnesses said the victim was chased by police officers as he sprinted across the runway, according to La voce del Patriota.
Sources then said the man was pulled into the Volotea airplane as it completed the “pushback” move prior to exit the parking area prior to take off.
The Airbus A319 is powered by two turbofan engines, with rotors that can spin at 15,000 rotations per minute.
Footage from the airport shows emergency services gathered near the left engine of a Volotea plane, which was carrying 154 passengers and six crew.
Investigators are working on the possibility that the victim’s actions were deliberate and “premeditated suicide”.
The most accredited hypothesis is that of a voluntary act, a premeditated suicide
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Volotea said: “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. More information soon.”
In total, around 19 flights were axed from 10am, according to Flightradar24 data.
However, airport operator SACBO said air traffic resumed at 12pm local time.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
