Helicopters Used for Pompeii Aerial Tours Seized Amid Safety Investigation
Title: Italian Authorities Ground Unauthorized Helicopter Tours Over Pompeii Amid Safety Concerns
In a dramatic crackdown aimed at protecting public safety and cultural heritage, Italian authorities have seized eight helicopters and launched an investigation into four pilots linked to unauthorized aerial tours over the ancient city of Pompeii. The company at the center of the controversy, Rotortech, allegedly offered unlicensed flights that endangered both air passengers and those visiting the world-renowned archaeological site.
Public Prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso of Torre Annunziata spearheaded the preventative seizure on April 24, citing “activities considered extremely dangerous to public and private safety.” According to the prosecutor’s office, the decision to ground the helicopters was essential to halting practices that, if left unchecked, could have endangered lives and compromised a treasured historical landmark.
Allegations Against Rotortech
Rotortech reportedly conducted commercial helicopter tours over Pompeii since at least November 2024 without the proper authorizations or a valid operations license. Prosecutor Fragliasso detailed a wide range of alleged safety violations, including the use of helicopters that had not undergone required periodic inspections. Maintenance records were also said to be non-compliant with the standards mandated by the European Union for commercial aviation.
Moreover, the pilots—only licensed for private aviation—were not qualified to carry out commercial passenger flights. Fragliasso’s findings further alleged that the helicopters themselves were not registered for air navigation purposes, thereby voiding their legality for tourism use.
In some of the most troubling accusations, authorities noted that passengers’ luggage was left improperly stored, including instances where bags were resting directly on the aircraft’s control panels during flight—a practice that could critically impair pilot performance. Flights reportedly passed directly over crowds and hazardous zones, including schools, highways, and railway lines, violating multiple air safety regulations.
A History of Controversy
While no individuals were officially named in the release, public databases list Giuseppe Pennino as the owner of Rotortech since 2018. Another possible associate is Enrico Abagnale, a pilot who previously made headlines in 2015 when he famously dropped flower petals over a mafia boss’s funeral in Rome, prompting a 33-month suspension of his pilot’s license. Abagnale has not responded to media inquiries regarding his possible involvement in the current investigation.
The Popularity—and Perils—of Aerial Archaeology
Global interest in aerial tourism has surged in recent years, offering visitors an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of natural wonders and historical landmarks. From hot air balloons over Angkor Wat in Cambodia to airplane tours above the Nazca Lines in Peru, these experiences reveal details often invisible from the ground.
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been one of Italy’s most significant archaeological dig sites, attracting millions of tourists each year. An aerial view of this vast Roman city, famously devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, would provide a striking visual of its elaborate roadways, homes, and public spaces currently being excavated and preserved.
However, the pursuit of such extraordinary experiences must be balanced with considerations of ethics, legality, and public safety. The alleged reckless behavior demonstrated by Rotortech underscores the risks involved when operators bypass critical regulations designed to protect both human lives and irreplaceable cultural sites.
Next Steps
The investigation remains ongoing, and if charges are pursued, the consequences for those involved could include fines, license revocations, and even criminal penalties. Authorities are emphasizing that the newfound trend in adventure tourism must adhere strictly to civil aviation and heritage preservation laws.
The case serves as a stark reminder to other operators around the world: thrilling tourism experiences must never come at the expense of rigorous safety protocols—or humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
As aerial tourism continues to evolve, striking a responsible balance between innovation and regulation will be key to safeguarding the sites that form the cornerstone of our collective history. Pompeii, with its legacy etched into volcanic ash nearly two thousand years ago, deserves that protection.