American Airlines 787-9 too large for Naples, diverts to Rome
An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was forced to divert to Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) while attempting to land in Naples, Italy, after it was determined that Naples-Capodichino Airport (NAP) could not safely accommodate the larger aircraft. The incident occurred on June 4, 2025, during a flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples.
Typically, American Airlines operates the smaller Boeing 787-8 on this route, which fits within the operational limits of Naples’ single 2,628-meter (8,622-foot) runway. However, on this occasion, the airline deployed the larger 787-9 variant. The longer aircraft requires more runway length for safe takeoff and landing operations, and Naples’ runway was insufficient for the 787-9’s requirements.
Upon realizing the limitation during the final approach, the crew diverted the aircraft to Rome-Fiumicino Airport, located approximately 220 kilometers (140 miles) north of Naples. After safely landing in Rome, the airline arranged ground transportation for the 231 passengers and 11 crew members to reach Naples, adding several hours to their journey.
American Airlines has not disclosed the reason for substituting the larger aircraft on a route typically served by the smaller model. The situation highlights operational challenges airlines may face when deploying wide-body aircraft to regional airports with shorter runways.
The airline continues to operate its regular Philadelphia-Naples service, primarily using the Boeing 787-8, which remains suitable for Naples’ runway specifications.
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