Rome Fiumicino builds on record growth with major network expansion

Following a record-breaking 2025, Rome Fiumicino continues to build on its success in 2026, further strengthening its position as one of Europe's leading hubs and a key international gateway.

In 2025, the airport welcomed 51.3 million passengers, exceeding the 50-million milestone for the first time (+4% vs. 2024 and +18% vs. 2019), making it the fastest-growing airport among Europe's major hubs. This performance reflected the resilience of travel demand and Aeroporti di Roma ADR's strategy focused on sustainable growth, network expansion and global connectivity.

Throughout 2026, the airport has reinforced these results, supported by more than 40 new routes, over 15 new destinations and four new airlines joining FCO's network. According to Cirium, the airport ranks ninth globally for connectivity, offering over 240 destinations across five continents and nearly 80 countries, served by around 100 airlines.

Intercontinental expansion remains central to Fiumicino’s strategy. Alaska Airlines selected Rome as its first European destination, launching Seattle alongside Delta Air Lines. ITA Airways inaugurated the first nonstop route between Italy and Houston and will launch Santo Domingo in November. Air India resumed nonstop Delhi flights, while Air Arabia introduced Sharjah.

Several airlines also expanded operations. Qantas tripled capacity on Perth through a longer season and daily flights. Cathay Pacific increased Hong Kong to up to five weekly services, while Singapore Airlines extended its fifth weekly frequency. LATAM upgraded São Paulo to year-round daily operations, while American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines extended seasonal services to Miami, Minneapolis and Denver. Fiumicino reached a record 22 directly connected North American airports, with up to 41 daily frequencies during the Summer peak. Ethiopian Airlines also strengthened Addis Ababa with double-daily flights from June.

European connectivity continued to grow. Wizz Air operated 16 based aircraft during Summer and will add a 17th for Winter. easyJet launched Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle and Belfast, while the 2026/27 Winter season sees Air Cairo launching Hurghada and Eurowings introducing Berlin.

Fiumicino further strengthened its competitive position by retaining Skytrax’s prestigious 5-Star Airport Rating. In 2026, it was also named “Best Airport in Europe” by ACI Europe for the eighth time since 2018, recognizing its operational excellence and passenger-focused approach.

Looking ahead, ADR’s new Airport Development Plan aims to accommodate around 100 million passengers annually by 2046 through a €9 billion investment program, entirely financed by ADR without any public funding. The plan includes a new terminal, a fourth runway and strategic infrastructure projects delivering economic, social and environmental benefits.

These developments reinforce Rome Fiumicino’s ambition to strengthen its position as Southern Europe’s leading international hub through network expansion, service excellence and sustainable long-term investment.