Italy has denied landing permission to a United States military aircraft at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before its planned onward flight to the Middle East.
Reports indicate the aircraft had not received prior authorization, as required under existing agreements. Italian authorities clarified that such requests must follow strict procedures and, in some cases, require parliamentary approval.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto dismissed claims that all US access to Italian bases had been blocked, stating it was “simply false.” He explained that a long-standing treaty governs base usage, and both countries understand its terms.
Crosetto added that “international agreements clearly regulate and distinguish what requires specific government authorization” and parliamentary approval, and what is considered “technically authorized because it is included in the agreements.”
Officials also emphasized that each request is handled individually, not as a blanket approval or denial.
The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that the decision does not signal any conflict with Washington.
“Each request is carefully examined, case by case, as has always been the case in the past,” the statement said.
