What Blunder Led to American Airlines Flight Diverting to Rome?

On June 2, 2025, American Airlines Flight AA780 from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples (NAP) found itself in a major bind after a seemingly simple aircraft swap turned into a full-blown operational blunder. The flight, initially scheduled to be operated by a Boeing 787-8, was switched to a larger Boeing 787-9 for operational reasons. However, this swap led to a critical error, as the 787-9 wasn’t certified to land at Naples Airport, forcing the flight to divert mid-air to Rome.

The Aircraft Swap That Went Wrong

The aircraft took off from Philadelphia at 7:42 PM without any issues. However, as the flight was preparing to land in Naples, the crew realized that the 787-9 was not authorized to land at the airport. Despite clear weather conditions, the airport’s limitations—especially regarding runway size and taxiway capacity—made the 787-9 incompatible with the infrastructure at Naples Airport.

This led to an immediate decision by the crew to divert the flight to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located about 124 miles away from Naples.

Why the Swap Was a Problem

Although the 787-8 and 787-9 are both part of the same aircraft family, the 787-9 is longer and has a higher maximum takeoff weight, which can pose challenges at airports like Naples that have constrained infrastructure.

The swap, which seemed like a small operational adjustment, turned out to be a costly mistake due to these differences in aircraft performance characteristics. This issue underscores the need for airlines to thoroughly check whether an aircraft is compatible with its destination airport before making changes.

The Response and Logistical Challenge

After the diversion to Rome, American Airlines had to face the logistical nightmare of repositioning the aircraft and crew. Thankfully, the airline already operated a Rome–Chicago route using a 787-8, which allowed them to swap the aircraft. The diverted 787-9 was reassigned to this route, and a 787-8 was sent back to continue the journey to Naples.

However, due to crew duty hour restrictions, the flight couldn’t continue immediately. The 787-8 and its crew overnighted in Rome, completing the remaining 38-minute flight to Naples the following day, on June 4.

The Aftermath: Were Passengers Affected?

While the flight to Naples was completed the following day, it remains unclear how the affected passengers were handled. They were likely either flown from Rome to Naples the next day or re-accommodated via alternative methods like trains or other flights.

What Went Wrong: A Lesson in Aircraft Compatibility

This incident highlights the complexities of international flight operations and the importance of verifying aircraft compatibility with destination airports. A simple aircraft swap led to a serious operational oversight, and American Airlines’ quick response minimized disruptions. However, the event raises questions about the airline’s internal communication and whether more thorough checks could have prevented the issue.

In the fast-paced world of international aviation, small mistakes can lead to big consequences, as seen in this case.