Passengers on American Airlines flight 780, scheduled to land in Naples, Italy, experienced an unexpected twist during their journey from Philadelphia on June 2. The aircraft had to divert to Rome Fiumicino Airport because Naples International Airport could not accommodate the plane’s size, Business Insider reported.
Flight data revealed that the aircraft had already crossed the Atlantic and was flying over the Tyrrhenian Sea when the diversion took place — almost seven hours after takeoff. The diversion occurred despite Naples being the intended destination, catching many travelers off guard.
American Airlines Cites Operational Limitations
American Airlines confirmed the diversion in a statement to PEOPLE. A spokesperson said the decision stemmed from airport-related constraints. “Customers traveled from [Rome] to [Naples] by bus, and we apologize to them for this disruption to their journey,” the spokesperson said.
The passengers completed the final leg of their journey by bus, a drive that typically takes about three hours. While inconvenient, the airline ensured that everyone reached Naples safely the same day.
Aviation Enthusiast Flags Incident Online
The incident first gained public attention through aviation enthusiast @JonNYC on X (formerly Twitter), who posted about the situation on June 5. According to his post, the aircraft had not received approval to land at Naples International Airport.
This raised questions about planning and pre-flight clearances, especially for large aircraft operating international routes. As of June 7, PEOPLE had contacted both Naples and Rome airport authorities for comments but had not received responses.
Lack of Clarity on Pre-Flight Coordination
Despite the safe diversion and road transfer, the situation highlighted potential lapses in coordination between American Airlines and Naples International Airport. The airline has not yet explained why the aircraft’s size was not flagged before the flight’s departure.
While all passengers eventually reached their destination, the ordeal adds to a growing list of unusual aviation incidents and reinforces the importance of thorough operational checks.
