Italy has denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at Naval Air Station Sigonella, a key base in Sicily, because procedures governing its use were not followed, according to multiple reports.
The decision came after U.S. aircraft, reportedly including bombers headed toward the Middle East, were expected to stop at Sigonella before continuing their mission. Italian authorities said prior authorization is required under existing defense agreements and Italian law.
Under treaties governing the use of foreign military bases, routine logistics flights and non‑combat support are generally permitted. However, combat‑related operations or stops that fall outside routine agreements must be cleared by Italian authorities, and in some cases require parliamentary approval.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto denied landing clearance after the flight plan arrived too late for proper review, according to Italian media reports.
Naval Air Station Sigonella is one of NATO’s most important installations in the Mediterranean and has long supported both Italian and U.S. military operations.
This decision comes amid growing tensions in Europe over U.S. military actions related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a related development, Spain has closed its airspace to some U.S. military flights connected with the conflict.
Italian leaders emphasized that denying permission was about following established protocols, not about severing cooperation with the United States. Government officials said future requests will be evaluated case by case.
