[1] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-bars-us-overflights...

> their flight plan was not communicated in advance to the Italian air force general staff, nor had the American aircraft received authorization to land,

Sounds like they might have gotten authorization if they had just told them in advance.

Is it normal for the Americans to behave this way or is this new procedure?

This may be permitted under the agreements.

I can't find the Italian version, but Spain's agreement (https://es.usembassy.gov/agreement-on-defense-cooperation/) differentiates between aircraft already based in Spain versus ones transiting through.

> Aircraft of the United States forces which are deployed in Spain, permanently or on rotation, within the agreed force level, may overfly, enter and exit Spanish air space, and use the bases specified in Annex 2 of this Agreement, with no other requirement than compliance with Spanish air traffic regulations. In order to use other bases, military airdromes and airports, the corresponding authorization shall be requested through the Permanent Committee at least 48 hours in advance.

> Aircraft flying logistics missions, operated by or for the United States forces, other than those in paragraph 1, not carrying VIPs, HAZMAT or cargo or passengers that might be controversial to Spain may overfly, enter or exit Spanish airspace and use the bases specified in Annex 2 on quarterly blanket overflight clearances authorized by the Permanent Committee.

We'll see what Italy does if asked next time.

I'm still livid about the Cavalese disaster in which I lost few distant friends (close friends of my Veneto uncle's):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_Cavalese_cable_car_crash

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d415g55nno

I think Europe just wants to be left out of it.