Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport is preparing for a major transformation under a €9 billion development plan designed to increase its annual passenger capacity to 100 million by 2046. The project, led by airport operator Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), aims to strengthen Italy’s position in international aviation while responding to rising demand for air travel.

The investment comes after a record-breaking 2025, when Fiumicino handled approximately 51.3 million passengers, surpassing the 50-million mark for the first time. The expansion would nearly double its current traffic and reinforce its role as a major European gateway connecting Italy with destinations across five continents.

€9 Billion

Development Plan

100 Million

Passenger Capacity by 2046

51.3 Million

Passengers in Record 2025

76 Gates

In the New Terminal Complex

How the €9 Billion Breaks Down

€5 Billion

New Infrastructure

Including a new terminal complex and a fourth runway

€4 Billion

Existing Facilities

Upgrading and maintaining the current airport

A New Terminal and Fourth Runway

  • New terminal complex with two piers and 76 boarding gates, designed to accommodate an additional 35 million passengers annually
  • Fourth runway to increase operational capacity and support future traffic growth

The development reflects Fiumicino’s ambition to compete more effectively with Europe’s largest connecting hubs. Growing long-haul demand, expanding airline networks and increasing international tourism are expected to shape the airport’s future, while improved access could support Italy’s broader economic and tourism objectives.

Private Investment and Economic Potential

ADR intends to finance the entire €9 billion programme without public funding, placing the financial responsibility on the airport operator.

Up to €70B

Estimated economic value across Italy through 2046

~300,000

Jobs supported through 2046

Source: a study by Rome’s LUISS University, reported by ANSA in December 2025. These figures are projections rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Public Consultation Timeline

  • September 2026The public consultation process officially began.
  • September 23Project documentation was published.
  • November 22Consultation scheduled to close. Local authorities, organisations and other stakeholders can submit observations and proposals until then, according to the Metropolitan City of Rome.

Environmental Concerns

Airport development on this scale raises questions about:

Land use Biodiversity Water resources Noise pollution Impact on nearby residential areas

Proposed environmental measures include:

  • Reducing the length of an existing runway to limit aircraft noise
  • Creating green and archaeological areas

A New Phase of Growth

With its €9 billion investment, Fiumicino is positioning itself for a new phase of growth. The challenge will be to turn its ambitious capacity target into a viable development while securing the necessary approvals and addressing the concerns of the communities affected by the project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is a €9 billion development plan led by Aeroporti di Roma to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 100 million by 2046.

Fiumicino handled approximately 51.3 million passengers in 2025, surpassing 50 million for the first time.

€5 billion is earmarked for new infrastructure and €4 billion for upgrading and maintaining existing facilities.

Yes. The plan includes a new terminal complex with two piers and 76 boarding gates, designed to handle an additional 35 million passengers a year.

Yes. The plan includes a fourth runway to increase operational capacity and support future traffic growth.

No. ADR intends to finance the entire €9 billion programme without public funding.

A LUISS University study estimated the plan could generate up to €70 billion in economic value and support about 300,000 jobs through 2046. These are projections, not guaranteed outcomes.

Yes. The public consultation began in September 2026 and is scheduled to run until November 22, according to the Metropolitan City of Rome.

The expansion raises questions about land use, biodiversity, water resources, noise pollution and the impact on nearby residential areas.

Proposed measures include shortening an existing runway to limit aircraft noise and creating green and archaeological areas.