Claims suggest Italy denied US military aircraft access to the Sigonella base in Sicily due to political reasons tied to the Iran war. However, official statements and reports clarify that the issue is primarily procedural, rather than politically motivated.

Operational restrictions have been imposed at four strategic Italian airports—Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso—amid severe fuel shortages. The measures prioritise ambulance and state flights, limiting short-haul aircraft to a supply ceiling of 2,000 litres, risking direct domestic routes without prior refuelling.