A wildfire burning near Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in northern Sardinia has disrupted air travel after smoke forced temporary restrictions on incoming flights. Emergency crews, including firefighters, forestry personnel, helicopters, and Canadair water-bombing aircraft, were deployed to contain the blaze as authorities worked to protect the airport and surrounding communities.
According to airport operator Geasar, the airport remained open, but the airspace over Olbia was temporarily restricted because of a large wildfire in the Su Trambuccone area near the Sassari–Olbia highway. The smoke affected aircraft approaching the airport, resulting in several incoming flights being diverted to Cagliari, Alghero, and Rome, while departures continued to operate where conditions allowed.
Officials said at least nine inbound flights were diverted, and 10 flights were canceled during the disruption. Firefighters from the Italian Fire Service, the Sardinian Forestry Corps, Civil Protection volunteers, and aerial firefighting units worked throughout the day to stop the flames from spreading toward critical infrastructure. Strong winds and dry vegetation contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfire, making firefighting operations more challenging.
As firefighting efforts continued, airport officials closely monitored smoke conditions to determine when normal flight operations could safely resume. Later in the day, authorities announced that the restricted airspace had been reopened after the situation improved, allowing aircraft to begin landing again. Travelers were nevertheless advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information, as delays continued even after the immediate emergency had passed.
Wildfires remain a recurring concern across Sardinia during the summer months due to high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds. Emergency services have urged residents and visitors to avoid affected areas and follow official safety instructions while crews continue monitoring the fire and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Investigators are expected to determine the cause of the wildfire once the emergency response has concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were flights affected at Olbia Airport?
A wildfire near the airport produced smoke that temporarily restricted aircraft arriving at Olbia, forcing several flights to divert.
Was Olbia Airport closed?
No. The airport itself remained open, but incoming flights were temporarily unable to land because of airspace restrictions caused by the wildfire.
Have flights resumed?
Authorities later reopened the airspace, although some delays and disruptions continued while airlines restored normal schedules.
Disclaimer: This is a developing story. Information is based on official statements and verified reports available at the time of publication. Additional details may be released as firefighting operations and investigations continue.