An American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Naples was forced to divert mid-air to Rome on June 2 after Naples International Airport was unable to accept the aircraft due to infrastructure limitations.
Flight AA780, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, had nearly completed its journey when it abruptly changed course while flying over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The jet landed safely at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport instead of its intended destination.
The issue? Naples Airport is currently rated for Rescue and Firefighting Category 8—suitable for smaller widebody jets like the Boeing 787-8. However, the 787-9 is slightly longer and requires Category 9 fire services, which Naples cannot provide.
This marked the first time American Airlines deployed the larger 787-9 on the Philadelphia-Naples route. Previously, the airline had been using the 787-8 since the seasonal route resumed in May 2025.
After landing in Rome, passengers were bussed over two hours to Naples. American Airlines confirmed the rerouting and apologized for the inconvenience. As a U.S. carrier, the airline is not liable under EU261 compensation rules.
The incident has raised concerns about whether smaller European airports are prepared for the new generation of larger, fuel-efficient aircraft. Aviation analysts say airports like Naples must modernize or risk becoming unsuitable for future international service.
Despite the hiccup, demand for the route remains strong. American Airlines reported an 89% load factor for the Philadelphia-Naples route last season.
The Dreamliner returned to service the next day, operating a Rome-to-Chicago flight as scheduled. But the message is clear: as airlines expand with bigger planes, infrastructure must keep pace.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying into smaller cities in Europe this summer, check your aircraft type and know the airport’s capabilities—just in case your trip takes a detour.