Rome Fiumicino Airport Plans €9 Billion Expansion to Accommodate 100 Million Passengers

Aeroporti di Roma outlines a 20-year development programme featuring a new terminal, fourth runway, improved transport connections and environmental initiatives.

Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has presented a €9 billion investment programme to expand Rome Fiumicino Airport, with the aim of increasing its annual passenger capacity to approximately 100 million by 2046.

The entire programme will be financed by ADR. The Sustainable Development Plan, developed in cooperation with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), sets out a long-term strategy to modernise existing airport facilities, introduce additional infrastructure and accommodate future passenger growth.

Rome Fiumicino, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, welcomed more than 51 million passengers in 2025. 

New Terminal and Fourth Runway to Support Expansion

The proposed investment is divided into two main areas. Approximately €5 billion will finance new infrastructure, while the remaining €4 billion will be allocated to upgrading and maintaining existing airport facilities.

Among the most significant developments is a new passenger terminal featuring 76 boarding gates, designed to increase capacity and support more efficient passenger operations. The expansion also includes a fourth runway, which will allow ADR to reorganise aircraft movements across the airport. As part of the revised runway configuration, the existing Runway 1 would be shortened and no longer used for departures.

The new terminal is planned within the airport's current boundaries, while the wider development strategy seeks to balance operational requirements with environmental and community considerations.

Improving Airport Access and Surrounding Infrastructure

Alongside the expansion of aviation facilities, ADR intends to invest more than €300 million in projects benefiting the surrounding area. These improvements include stronger rail and public transport connections, as well as additional infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

The development programme also proposes an 85-hectare archaeological park around the historic Port of Claudius, combining the preservation of local heritage with new public spaces.

Expansion Expected to Generate Economic Growth and Employment

Beyond increasing airport capacity, the development programme is expected to contribute to economic activity across Italy.

Research conducted by Luiss Guido Carli University estimates that the investment could generate approximately €70 billion in additional economic value nationwide and support the creation of around 300,000 jobs by 2046.

These estimates reflect the potential economic benefits of construction activity, expanded airport operations and increased international connectivity.

The development programme is progressing through the necessary consultation and approval procedures. Following technical clearance from ENAC in May 2026, the proposals entered a public consultation phase, allowing residents, local organisations and other stakeholders to review the plans and provide feedback. The consultation process will inform the next stages of the project before the relevant ministerial approvals can be obtained.

The airport's proposed development also aligns with Italy's National Airports Plan for 2026–2035, which identifies the importance of strengthening Fiumicino's role as a major international aviation hub.

Preparing for the Next Two Decades of Airport Growth

Fiumicino's expansion follows a period of increasing passenger traffic and international recognition for its operational performance and service quality.

In 2026, the airport retained its five-star Skytrax rating and placed seventh in the global airport rankings. It also received further recognition from Airports Council International for its passenger service standards.

Through its proposed investment programme, ADR aims to accommodate growing international travel demand while maintaining service quality and improving the airport's relationship with surrounding communities.

The project represents a substantial long-term transformation of one of Europe's major aviation hubs, with infrastructure development, sustainable operations and improved airport accessibility forming the foundation of its growth strategy.

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