Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Italy’s World-Class Intercontinental Hub
Rome Fiumicino Airport, officially known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), is Italy’s busiest and most critically acclaimed aviation facility. Located approximately 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the Eternal City’s centre, FCO serves as the primary gateway to Rome, offering convenient access to historical landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Pantheon. The airport is a major strategic hub for global connectivity, consistently recognized for its service quality and operational efficiency.
General Information and Prestigious Accolades
FCO has achieved record-breaking performance and secured top industry recognition, cementing its reputation as a leading international airport.
| Feature | Details |
| Official Name / Code | Leonardo da Vinci International Airport / FCO (LIRF) |
| Location | Fiumicino, Rome, Italy |
| Operator | Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) |
| Record Passenger Traffic (2024) | 49.2 million passengers (The highest in Italy and the 8th busiest in Europe) |
| H1 Passenger Traffic (2025 Est.) | Projected to exceed 50 million passengers for the full year 2025. |
| Hub Carrier | ITA Airways (accounting for 26% of total traffic in 2024) |
| Top Global Ranking (2025) | Skytrax 5-Star Airport and 8th in the World’s Top 10 Airports ranking. |
| Best in Europe | Winner of the “Best Airport in Europe” (ACI ASQ) for eight consecutive years. |
Terminal Infrastructure and Enhanced Passenger Experience
FCO operates with a streamlined terminal structure that includes dedicated areas for international and intercontinental flights. Significant recent investments have focused on enhancing capacity and digital innovation.
Key Terminal Developments (2025)
- Terminal 3 Regeneration: The enhanced and regenerated Terminal 3, serving Extra-Schengen traffic, was officially inaugurated in May 2025 following a four-year, €250 million investment. This project increased the T3 arrival capacity by over 30%, adding new check-in counters and modernizing baggage handling.
- Liquid Carry-On Rules: Starting July 26, 2025, Fiumicino implemented new EU rules allowing carry-on liquids (LAGs) up to 2 litres per container. This was made possible by the deployment of new-generation EDS C3 security scanners in the hand luggage screening areas.
- Mobility Innovation: The airport launched autonomous-driving chairs (WHILL) in March 2025 for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRMs), making it one of the first European hubs to offer this advanced service.
- Terminals in Use: T1 and T3 are the main passenger terminals, with specific gates in T3 handling most long-haul flights.
- Amenities: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, premium airline and third-party lounges, extensive duty-free, and diverse dining options.
- Hotels: The Hilton Rome Airport is directly connected to the terminals via a pedestrian walkway, and the HelloSky AirRooms & Lounge offers rooms and rest areas.
Global Connectivity and Route Expansion
FCO is a critical global interchange, hosting over 100 carriers that connect Rome to over 230 destinations across 80 countries on all five continents. Intercontinental traffic is a major growth driver, with a notable increase in North American routes.
Key Airlines and Route Updates
- ITA Airways Expansion: The hub carrier continues its aggressive expansion with new long-haul routes launched to Chicago (2025) and a new service to Mauritius planned for the Winter 2025–2026 season.
- North American Growth: North American traffic is up significantly (over 40% compared to 2019). New transatlantic services include Delta Air Lines to Minneapolis (May 2025) and upcoming routes from Alaska Airlines and Delta to Seattle.
- Asia and Middle East: Cathay Pacific inaugurated its seasonal direct service to Hong Kong in June 2025, and high growth is being sustained on routes to the Arabian Peninsula (including Dubai and Jeddah) and the Far East.
- Leading Carriers: The airport’s top three carriers by traffic volume are ITA Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
Transportation to Rome City Center
Fiumicino offers fast, efficient, and reliable connections to Rome’s central transport hubs.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Leonardo Express Train | Rome Termini Station | 32 minutes (Non-stop) | €14 | Dedicated, high-speed connection; runs every 15 minutes. |
| Regional FL1 Train | Rome Tiburtina, Trastevere, Ostiense | ~45–60 minutes | €8 | Slower, local service connecting to secondary stations. |
| SIT Bus Shuttle | Rome Termini Station | ~1 hour | €7 | Cost-effective option, depending on traffic conditions. |
| Taxi | Central Rome (within Aurelian Walls) | ~45–60 minutes | €50 Fixed Fare | Official city taxis offer a fixed rate to central areas. |
| Car Rental & Parking | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | Extensive parking with over 10,000 spaces; major international rental companies available. |
Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) is deeply focused on sustainability and preparing for key national events.
- Jubilee 2025: FCO is an official partner for the 2025 Jubilee, contributing to infrastructure improvements for the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists. New initiatives include the “Pedalaria” cycle path connecting the airport to the city of Fiumicino.
- Carbon Neutrality Target: FCO is dedicated to achieving carbon-neutral status by 2030. This is supported by projects like PIONEER (Italy’s largest energy storage system reusing electric car batteries), inaugurated in June 2025.
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES): The phased rollout of the new EU border control system for Extra-Schengen travellers began in October 2025.
Contact Information
- Address: Via Dell’Aeroporto di Fiumicino 320, I-00050 Fiumicino, Rome, ITALY
- Phone: +39 06 65951
- Official Website: www.adr.it