American Airlines recently diverted one of its flights from Naples to Rome after realizing the aircraft it was operating wasn’t certified to land at Naples Airport. The Boeing 787-9, which was meant to replace a smaller 787-8 on the Philadelphia-Naples route, was not authorized for landing due to differences in performance characteristics.
The diversion occurred mid-descent as the crew changed course and redirected the flight to Rome Fiumicino Airport. American Airlines was able to adapt quickly by swapping out the aircraft for one already certified to operate at Naples Airport.
The incident highlights the importance of verifying aircraft compatibility with destination airports, particularly when changes are made mid-flight. While American Airlines’ quick response minimized disruption, it raises questions about procedural checks in aircraft dispatching.
Source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/06/american-airlines-pilot-flies-wrong-787-to-italy