2 min readSicilyUpdated: Mar 31, 2026 04:24 PM IST
Italy has refused permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to West Asia, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, confirming a newspaper report, reported news agency Reuters.
Italian daily Corriere della Sera, cited by Reuters reported that some US bombers were expected to land at the base in eastern Sicily en route to the region, though details on timing and the number of aircraft were not disclosed. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also did not specify when the request was denied.
The report said authorisation was withheld because the United States had not formally sought approval and Italy’s military leadership had not been consulted, as required under existing agreements governing the use of US bases in the country.
The Italian defence ministry has refrained from immediately comment on the matter.
Opposition parties have called on the government to block the use of Italian bases by the US to avoid being drawn into the conflict.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has said it would seek parliamentary approval if any such requests are formally made.
