Travel delays have forced Arsenal to cancel its pre-match press conference ahead of a Champions League game at Napoli on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was set to address the media in Naples on Tuesday, but a technical issue with the UK's air traffic control system caused hundreds of flights to be delayed or cancelled.
The flights affected included Arsenal's, with the Gunners not expected to arrive in Naples until 9:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, per multiple reports. Arteta's press conference was scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Though managers are required to speak to the media before Champions League matches, UEFA will not fine Arsenaldue to circumstances beyond the club's control.
Arsenal will open its Champions League campaign on Wednesday
at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. local time.
Arteta will aim to lead his side to its first Champions League title this season, having fallen agonizingly short last time around. The Gunners reached the 2025-26 final, but were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain.
But Arsenal did end a 22-year league title drought last season, lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.
Arsenal has started this season with three wins from three league matches.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arsenal cancels pre-Napoli press conference due to UK flight delays
