Milan Bergamo International Airport, a key hub in Italy’s Lombardy region, suspended all flights yesterday following a fatal incident involving an unauthorized individual on the runway.

According to airport authorities, a 35-year-old man, neither a passenger nor an employee, was killed after entering the engine of a Volotea aircraft preparing for takeoff.

Police reports indicate the individual gained access to the airport by driving against traffic on an access road, abandoning his vehicle, and entering the terminal through an arrivals area, according to Sky News.

He then breached an emergency exit leading to the runway, where he ran toward the aircraft’s engine.

Despite pursuit by police and airport security, the man could not be apprehended in time.

The incident has raised significant concerns about airport security protocols at Bergamo, a growing hub for low-cost carriers like Volotea.

A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the suspension of operations as authorities investigate how the breach occurred. “

Volotea, the airline involved, issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming that the aircraft was grounded for inspection.

The disruption impacted thousands of passengers, with delays and cancellations reported throughout the day.