Fiumicino is preparing to double in size. Aeroporti di Roma, a Mundys Group company, has put forward a 9-billion-euro development plan. The goal is to increase the airport’s annual passenger volume from the current 51 million to 100 million within twenty years. At the heart of the project is a fourth runway, 3,400 meters long and running parallel to Runway 3, along with a new terminal with 76 gates in the eastern area. The new boarding areas K and L will be directly connected to the other terminals.
The plan also addresses environmental impact. With the fourth runway, it will be possible to shorten the current Runway 1 by 900 meters, reducing noise levels over residential areas by up to 80%. An archaeological park will be built on the cleared area, and the removed asphalt will be used to construct the new runway. New taxiways, aprons, and connectors are also planned (the expansion of Taxiway Bravo is already underway), along with the expansion of the train station, which will increase from three to five tracks.
67,000 new jobs will be created
The estimated economic impact is 18 billion for the Lazio region, with over 67,000 new jobs, of which 53,000 will be in Rome and 13,000 in Fiumicino. Construction will take about six years and, according to an initial estimate by ADR, is expected to be completed by 2033. However, government approval is required before construction can begin.
On the political front, there is broad consensus. Talks with labor and management began this week, and Undersecretary of Labor Claudio Durigon described the airport as a source of pride for Italy, capable of boosting employment in the region. PD Senator Antonio Misiani listed those in favor of the fourth runway: the mayor of Fiumicino (center-right), the mayor of Rome (center-left), the regional government, and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. Even Five Star Movement (M5S) President Giuseppe Conte called for projects of this scale to be considered within an international context, with the public tasked with setting the vision and incentivizing private investment. The plan has also received the support of Unindustria.
Growth that shows no signs of stopping
The expansion is the latest step in a growth trend that has been ongoing for years. In 2025, Leonardo da Vinci Airport surpassed 51 million passengers for the first time, and it is aiming for approximately 53 million in 2026. In June, ACI Europe named it the best airport on the continent among those handling over 40 million travelers, describing it as “an excellent airport that never stops.” This marks its eighth title since 2018 and its fifth in a row. In February, it took first place in Europe in ACI World’s Airport Service Quality ranking—based on passenger ratings—for the ninth consecutive year, with a record score of 4.64 out of 5. In addition, it ranks seventh worldwide in the Skytrax rankings and holds a five-star certification.
