A builder has died after being sucked into a plane engine in front of horrified passengers preparing for take-off.

Andrea Russo, a 35-year-old Italian builder, has been identified as the man killed in the runway incident at Milan Bergamo Airport in northern Italy about 10.20am on Tuesday local time.

Russo was not a passenger and had no affiliation with Volotea, the budget airline operating the flight, the company confirmed on social media.

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He reportedly broke into the airport by driving the wrong way down a road, abandoning his car, and running into the terminal.

Local media reported Russo was being chased by police as he sprinted across the tarmac and into the path of the moving plane, but they were unable to stop him in time.

A witness told local media: “At first he threw himself against the casings — the protections of the right engine of the plane.

“Then he went around and either threw himself or was sucked into the propeller of the left engine.

“We were trying to go up the stairs and we saw everything.”

Volotea confirmed all 154 passengers and six crew members on flight V73511 were safe following the incident.

A replacement flight was scheduled to depart at 3.55pm for Asturias, Spain, the original destination.

Andrea Russo has been identified as the man killed in the runway incident at Milan Bergamo Airport. Credit: Facebook

Andrea Russo has been remembered as a hard-working, honest man. Credit: Facebook

The busy airport was brought to a standstill from 10.20am to 12pm, with several flights cancelled, delayed or diverted to other airports.

Police are still working to determine Russo’s motive.

Public Prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli said police were investigating if Russo had any links to the airport or planes that may explain the incident.

“In the car with which he arrived at the airport, full of all kinds of material, we have not found anything that could provide any kind of explanation,” Romanelli said.

Friends remembered Russo as a hard-working, honest man.

“I love you, my friend. I want to remember you like this with a smile,” one friend wrote on social media, alongside a group photo.

“One thing I was sure of is that I could trust you. Will never forget how many laughs we had together.”

Authorities have launched an investigation into how Russo was able to access the runway from outside the airport.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.