2025 marks another successful year for both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, as they receive prestigious awards for outstanding service quality offered to passengers. The Leonardo da Vinci airport at Fiumicino has been named the best airport in Europe for the eighth consecutive year, excelling among hubs serving over 40 million passengers annually. Meanwhile, the Giovan Battista Pastine airport at Ciampino has distinguished itself by winning the title of 'Best Airport in Europe' for the category of airports accommodating between 2 to 5 million travelers.
Conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI) World, the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey collected feedback from over 700,000 passengers across more than 360 airports globally. This year, Fiumicino achieved remarkable scores, including an overall rating of 4.61 out of 5. This reflects the airport's continuous commitment to innovation and efficiency, highlighted by its latest communication campaign which introduces ‘Adryx’, the airport's new interstellar mascot aimed at engaging and entertaining travelers.
Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, expressed pride over the international recognition, stating, "This acknowledgment speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of our staff, as well as of all the partners working synergistically within our airports." This sentiment is underscored by the fact Fiumicino experienced record-breaking traffic last year, with 49 million and 200 thousand passengers transiting through its gates.
The ASQ survey results positioned Fiumicino at the forefront, triumphantly securing awards not only for 'Best Airport' but also for the 'Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff', 'Easiest Airport Journey', 'Most Enjoyable Airport', and 'Cleanest Airport' across Europe. These achievements reaffirm the airports' statuses as significant hubs not only within Italy but also on the continental flight network.
Looking forward, Troncone is aware of the pressing need to sustainably develop Fiumicino’s infrastructure to maintain service quality and accommodate growing traffic. The discussion around the proposed expansion of the airport has gained traction, with increased passenger numbers intensifying calls for additional facilities, including plans for a fourth runway.
Stalwart supporter Gianni Letta, former undersecretary to the Council Presidency, emphasized the importance of adapting airport infrastructure to meet air traffic growth and uphold international competitiveness. Nonetheless, concerns persist about the environmental impact of the proposed expansion, which is projected to cover approximately 260 hectares, with 151 hectares potentially affecting protected natural reserves.
The committee 'FuoriPISTA', active for over fifteen years, continues to oppose such developments, voicing strong apprehensions about risks to the State Natural Reserve of Litorale Romano. They advocate for alternative strategies allowing airport growth without jeopardizing protected areas. Responding to these environmental concerns, Aeroporti di Roma assures stakeholders of their commitment to sustainable development strategies aimed at balancing infrastructural progress with ecological preservation.
Troncone reiterated, "The expansion will not only improve service quality but will also enable reductions in emissions through new technologies, reinforcing our position as an international reference hub without compromising the ecological balance of the protected areas." Such strides signal both ambition and the necessity to remain conversant with pressing global environmental concerns.
Fiumicino's achievements and future projects delineate its ambition to become one of Europe’s leading airports, ensuring it can accommodate the increasing demands of international travel and maintain its reputation as a premier destination.
With the recent awards and ambitious future plans at the forefront, both airports have not only showcased their exceptional commitment to quality service but also set the stage for enhanced growth pathways, solidifying their roles as central pillars within Italy's transport framework.