On the top left, the affected area.
On the top left, the affected area.
A view of the pine grove (left) and airport (right).
A view of the pine grove (left) and airport (right).

In early May 2015, a rather large fire at the international terminal caused extensive damage and led to the cancelation of dozens of flights. The airport only regained full capacity in mid-July 2015. The full extent of the damage is still to be determined, but Alitalia airline reported loss for over €80 million ($88 million).

The May 7th fire in Rome Fiumicino airport.
The May 7th fire in Rome Fiumicino airport.
Image: Domenico Palesse/ANSA via AP

On July 28, another fire developed a little further from the airport than the pine grove, though still in the area. The flames were finally tamed by the firemen after about three hours, and no victims were reported aside for a dog found dead in a shack.

These episodes signal the area’s vulnerability to fires, something the airport should address if it wants get rid of its title as the world’s second-worst airport.

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