Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), popularly known as Fiumicino, is Italy's largest aviation gateway and a premier international hub serving the capital city of Rome. It serves as the primary home base for ITA Airways, which has succeeded Alitalia as the national carrier. The airport is a critical node for global travel, connecting Italy to hundreds of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and is consistently recognized for its service quality and operational excellence. The airport's infrastructure is currently centered around two major passenger facilities: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is the dedicated hub for ITA Airways and its SkyTeam partners, primarily managing high-volume Schengen area traffic. Terminal 3 is the largest and most diverse terminal, handling the majority of international and non-Schengen flights. Within Terminal 3, an automated people mover known as the SkyBridge transports passengers efficiently between the main building and the satellite gates. This streamlined layout follows the permanent closure of Terminal 2 in 2017 and ongoing major renovations to Terminal 5. Fiumicino is world-renowned for its luxury retail and culinary offerings, anchored by the expansive Area E Mall in Terminal 3. This high-end shopping zone features a Tax-Free area where international travelers can benefit from a 22% VAT exemption on premium Italian and global brands. The dining experience is equally impressive, ranging from the artisanal marketplace of Eataly to gourmet establishments like Attimi by multi-starred chef Heinz Beck. Travelers can find everything from traditional Roman pizzerias to contemporary international fusion, ensuring a high-quality experience for all passengers. Looking toward the future, the airport is undergoing a massive €2 billion development phase to prepare for the Jubilee 2027 event. These projects include the construction of a new boarding pier for intercontinental flights, enhanced biometric e-gates for rapid processing, and a dedicated business-aviation lounge for the Schengen zone. Ground transportation is exceptionally well-integrated, with the Leonardo Express train providing a direct 32-minute link to Rome's Termini Station. As it aims for a future capacity of 100 million passengers annually, FCO continues to set the standard for modern Mediterranean aviation infrastructure.