Aeronautica Militare: two urgent medical flights from Calabria and Sardinia; a 13-year-old and a newborn flown to Genoa’s “Gaslini” hospital

On the evening of October 5, 2026, two urgent medical transport missions for patients in imminent danger of death were completed. The flights departed from Calabria and Sardinia, both bound for the “Gaslini” hospital in Genoa.

The missions were authorized by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in accordance with the procedures established for this activity. The Presidency manages and coordinates the use of the State aircraft fleet.

The first flight from Lamezia Terme

The first request was sent by the Prefecture of Catanzaro to the Sala Situazioni di Vertice of the Comando Squadra Aerea of Milan of the Aeronautica Militare. The organization then activated the 31° Stormo at Ciampino, one of the units tasked with maintaining operational readiness for these missions.

Once the necessary procedures had been completed, the G650 took off from Lamezia Terme Airport (CZ) in the early afternoon. On board were a 13-year-old boy from the “Pugliese” Hospital in Catanzaro and the medical team.

The aircraft landed at Genoa Airport shortly after 15:30. From there, an ambulance transferred the patient to the “Gaslini” hospital, where he received the necessary treatment.

Newborn transferred from Alghero

Following a second activation requested by the Prefecture of Sassari, the G650 departed Genoa for Alghero Airport (SS). The patient was a newborn from the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Sassari.

The infant was boarded in a thermal cradle together with the medical team. The Aeronautica Militare aircraft then returned to Genoa, landing at around 18:30.

Upon arrival, an ambulance completed the newborn’s transfer to the “Gaslini” hospital, the final destination of the medical mission.

Units available for emergencies

Urgent medical transport is among the institutional tasks of the Aeronautica Militare. Flight units provide 24-hour availability, 365 days a year, with aircraft and crews ready to operate even in challenging weather conditions.

The missions may involve people in imminent danger of death, as well as organs, medical teams and ambulances. Hundreds of flight hours are carried out each year for these operations.

The service involves aircraft from the 31° Stormo at Ciampino, the 14° Stormo at Pratica di Mare and the 46ª Brigata Aerea at Pisa, as well as helicopters from the 15° Stormo at Cervia.