Rome’s main international airport, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino, has reached a historic milestone in 2025 by surpassing 50 million passengers in a single year for the first time since it opened. Final figures are expected to go beyond 51 million travelers by the end of December, setting an all-time record for Italy’s busiest airport and confirming a strong post-pandemic recovery in air travel.
The achievement becomes even more significant during the peak holiday season. Between December 22 and January 7, traffic forecasts indicated more than 2 million passengers passing through Fiumicino alone. At Rome’s secondary airport, Ciampino G.B. Pastine, an additional 180,000 travelers were expected over the same period. These volumes highlight the central role Rome plays as both a destination and a transit hub during the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Compared with 2024, passenger traffic at Fiumicino grew by more than 4%, equal to roughly 2 million additional travelers. Until now, annual traffic had never crossed the symbolic threshold of 50 million passengers. The new record reflects a combination of rising tourism, expanding airline networks, and increased confidence in international travel. Domestic traffic also contributed, supported by higher frequencies on key Italian routes.
One of the main drivers of growth has been the expansion of the airport’s route network. In 2025, Fiumicino offered connections to approximately 240 destinations across five continents, serving close to 80 countries worldwide. More than 30 new routes were launched during the year, strengthening links to Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Nearly 100 airlines operated at the airport, including several carriers that began service in 2025.
Long-haul travel played a particularly important role. Flights between Rome and North America recorded strong demand, with millions of passengers traveling on routes to the United States and Canada. Increased frequencies and new seasonal services helped push transatlantic traffic to some of its highest levels ever. Connections to Asia also showed clear signs of recovery, with passenger numbers rising steadily compared with previous years.
Despite the sharp rise in volumes, airport operations remained stable even during peak periods. Passenger flows during holidays were handled without major disruptions, thanks to improved terminal organization, upgraded security checkpoints, and more efficient baggage systems. On-time performance remained solid, supporting a positive travel experience for both departing and arriving passengers.
Crossing the 50-million-passenger mark reinforces Fiumicino’s position as a leading airport in Europe and a strategic gateway to Italy. The milestone represents more than just a statistical achievement – it reflects long-term investments in infrastructure, connectivity, and service quality. Looking ahead, airport planners are expected to continue focusing on capacity upgrades and sustainability initiatives to support further growth. The record set in 2025 marks a defining moment in Fiumicino’s history and signals strong momentum for the years to come.
