Russo, a builder from Calcinate, reportedly breached airport security by entering the tarmac in a red Fiat 500, which he abandoned in the airport’s internal lot. He then accessed a restricted area, bypassing multiple security protocols. Witnesses stated that he opened a security door leading directly to the aircraft parking area, prompting a chase by airport officers.

The incident occurred around 10:35 a.m. local time, as a Volotea Airbus A319 was preparing for takeoff to Oviedo, Spain. One of the aircraft’s turbofan engines sucked Russo in during final preparations. Volotea Airlines confirmed the event, emphasizing that none of the 154 passengers or 6 crew members were harmed, and that a replacement flight was rescheduled for later that afternoon.

Authorities are treating the incident as potentially intentional. While Russo was neither an airport employee nor a passenger, investigators have not ruled out suicide. Public Prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli stated that Russo’s car contained various items, but nothing that clearly explained his motives.

The investigation is ongoing, focusing on how Russo accessed the runway undetected and whether he had any connections to the aviation industry. Authorities continue to search for answers in a case that has left both the airport community and Russo’s loved ones in shock.