The Rome-based airline ITA Airways experienced a technical malfunction with its Airbus A330-900 aircraft during flight AZ-610 from Rome (FCO) to New York JFK on April 26.
While communicating with Shannon Air Traffic Control (ATC) over southern Ireland at an altitude of 30,000 feet (FL300), the flight crew reported detecting some issues with the flight controls. The crew indicated that the technical issue did not constitute an emergency, and that they had contacted the dispatch unit and technical maintenance team, deciding to continue the flight.
However, shortly before entering North Atlantic Ocean airspace, the crew decided they could not proceed with the oceanic crossing due to the existing malfunction and opted to return to Rome.
Following the decision made in line with safety priorities, the aircraft safely landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport after approximately six hours of flight. While new arrangements were made for the passengers, ITA Airways launched a technical investigation into the incident.
