Arsenal’s preparations for their Champions League opener against Napoli have been disrupted by a major flight delay which has forced Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press conference to be cancelled.
The Gunners were due to travel from Luton to Naples on Tuesday before Arteta and a player addressed the media at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
However, widespread disruption caused by a technical problem affecting the UK’s air traffic control system significantly delayed Arsenal’s departure.
Reuters reports that airports across the country have been affected after a failure involving National Air Traffic Services’ flight-processing system.
Arteta's press conference in Naples cancelled tonight as Arsenal will not arrive here until 9.30pm local time due to Air Traffic Control issues in the UK.
Squad stayed at training ground while waiting for delay and left for airport later.
Timber in squad.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) September 8, 2026
Arsenal press conference cancelled before Napoli
Arsenal were no longer expected to arrive in Naples in time for their scheduled media duties, forcing the club to cancel the press conference.
Hayters reports that the squad were expected to arrive at around 9.30pm local time, more than two hours after Arteta was originally due to speak.
UEFA has reportedly given Arsenal permission to cancel the media duties because the circumstances were outside the club’s control.
The disruption means there will be no final press-conference update from Arteta on Arsenal’s team news before Wednesday night’s match.
That is particularly relevant with several fitness decisions still unresolved.
Our updated Arsenal injury news before Napoli tracks the latest on Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Bruno Guimaraes and William Saliba.
Timber has been included in the travelling group after stepping up his recovery, providing Arsenal with a significant defensive boost.
Arsenal preparations disrupted before Champions League opener
The squad had trained at London Colney on Tuesday morning before their planned departure.
Arsenal’s travel disruption comes less than 24 hours before an 8pm BST kick-off in Naples, although there is currently no suggestion Wednesday’s match itself is under threat.
Arteta’s side arrive in Italy having won their opening three Premier League games and will attempt to extend an impressive recent European record.
Supporters can find the confirmed broadcast details in our Napoli vs Arsenal TV channel and live-stream guide.
Those making the trip have also been given extensive Arsenal supporter travel advice for Naples.
The immediate concern for Arsenal is now getting the squad to Naples with as little further disruption as possible before Wednesday night’s Champions League opener.
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