Where is fco airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: FCO Airport, officially known as Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, is located in Fiumicino, Italy, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Rome's city center. It opened on January 15, 1961, and serves as Italy's busiest airport, handling over 40 million passengers annually. The airport is a major hub for ITA Airways and features four passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest.

Key Facts

Located in Fiumicino, Italy, 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Rome
Opened on January 15, 1961
Handles over 40 million passengers annually
Italy's busiest airport and a hub for ITA Airways
Features four passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 as the largest

Overview

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, commonly referred to as FCO Airport, is Italy's primary international gateway and the busiest airport in the country. Located in the coastal town of Fiumicino, it serves the metropolitan area of Rome and the wider Lazio region. The airport is named after the renowned Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, reflecting Italy's rich cultural heritage. Its IATA code FCO derives from "Fiumicino," distinguishing it from Rome's other airport, Ciampino.

The airport's history dates back to the mid-20th century when it was developed to replace the overcrowded Rome Ciampino Airport. Construction began in the late 1950s, with the airport officially opening on January 15, 1961. Initially, it had a single runway and a basic terminal, but rapid expansion followed to accommodate growing air traffic. Today, FCO is a modern aviation hub, playing a crucial role in connecting Italy to global destinations.

How It Works

FCO Airport operates as a comprehensive aviation facility with multiple terminals, runways, and services designed to handle millions of passengers and flights each year.

Terminal Layout: The airport features four passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Terminal 3 is the largest, handling most international flights and spanning over 200,000 square meters. Terminal 5 is dedicated to Schengen Area flights, streamlining security for intra-European travel.
Runway System: FCO has three runways, with the longest measuring 3,900 meters (12,795 feet), capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Airbus A380. The runways handle over 500,000 aircraft movements annually, ensuring efficient takeoffs and landings even during peak hours.
Transportation Links: The airport is well-connected to Rome via multiple options. The Leonardo Express train provides non-stop service to Roma Termini station in 32 minutes, running every 15 minutes. Additionally, regional trains, buses, and taxis offer alternatives, with a dedicated highway (A91) facilitating road access.
Operational Capacity: FCO can handle up to 60 million passengers per year, with current traffic exceeding 40 million annually. It serves as a hub for ITA Airways, Italy's flag carrier, and hosts over 100 airlines operating flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide.

Key Comparisons

Feature	FCO Airport (Rome Fiumicino)	Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Passenger Traffic	Over 40 million annually (2023 data)	Approximately 6 million annually
Primary Use	International and long-haul flights	Low-cost and domestic flights
Distance from Rome Center	35 km (22 miles)	15 km (9 miles)
Terminals	4 passenger terminals	1 main terminal
Airlines Served	Over 100, including major carriers	Primarily budget airlines like Ryanair

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: FCO Airport is a vital economic engine for Italy, contributing over €12 billion to the national GDP annually. It supports around 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly, from aviation staff to tourism-related services, boosting local and regional economies.
Tourism Gateway: As the main entry point for visitors to Rome, the airport facilitates tourism to iconic sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City. In 2023, it handled over 20 million international tourists, playing a key role in Italy's tourism industry, which generates about 13% of the country's GDP.
Aviation Hub: FCO serves as a critical hub for ITA Airways, enabling connectivity across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its strategic location in Southern Europe makes it a preferred stopover for transcontinental flights, enhancing global air travel networks.

Looking ahead, FCO Airport is poised for continued growth with planned expansions, including terminal upgrades and sustainability initiatives. Investments in solar power and electric vehicle infrastructure aim to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. As air travel rebounds post-pandemic, FCO's role in fostering international trade and cultural exchange will remain indispensable, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Italy's infrastructure.