Italy denies US military aircraft use of Sicily air base en route to Middle East
The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz anchors in the Gulf of Panama during the multinational maritime cooperation exercise 'Southern Seas 2026', in Panama City, Panama March 30, 2026. — Reuters pic
Tuesday, 31 Mar 2026 7:35 PM MYT
ROME, March 31 — Italy has denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before flying to the Middle East, a source close to the matter said today, confirming a newspaper report.
Daily Corriere della Sera reported “some US bombers” had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before heading to the Middle East, but did not say when they had been scheduled to arrive.
The source, who was not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified, also did not specify how many aircraft were involved or when Rome declined to give permission.
Corriere della Sera added that permission was not granted as the US had not sought authorisation and Italy’s military leadership was not consulted, as required under treaties governing the use of US military installations in the country.
The Italian defence ministry had no immediate comment.
Centre-left opposition parties have urged the government to block the US use of bases in Italy to avoid involvement in the conflict.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has said it would seek parliamentary authorisation should any such requests be made. — Reuters
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