Rome Fiumicino Named Best European Airport for 2026

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has been named the best airport in Europe for the eighth time since 2018, according to ACI Europe. The hub, officially known as Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, received the “Best Airport Award 2026” in the category for facilities handling over 40 million passengers annually. The award recognizes excellence in staff service, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure.

Why is Fiumicino consistently ranked as Europe’s top hub?

The “Leonardo da Vinci” airport secured its 2026 title based on evaluations from an independent jury featuring representatives from the European Commission, Eurocontrol, Easa, Ecac, and Sesar Joint Undertaking. According to ACI Europe, the win highlights the facility’s successful integration of passenger-focused digital tools and robust environmental infrastructure. This follows a separate accolade from ACI World earlier this year, where the airport topped the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) rankings based on direct passenger feedback.

Did you know? Fiumicino reached a record milestone in 2025, handling more than 51 million passengers in a single year.

What are the future trends for major European airports?

The criteria used by the ACI jury provide a roadmap for the future of international travel. Industry analysts observe three primary shifts: increased reliance on biometric processing, a focus on carbon-neutral energy sources, and the “human-centric” approach to ground operations. Airports that prioritize high-speed passenger flow—often through automated security and check-in—are currently outpacing traditional hubs that rely on manual bottlenecks, according to data from the Sesar Joint Undertaking.

How does the “Fiumicino Model” impact passenger experience?

The “Fiumicino Model” relies on a dual-track strategy: high-tech automation and high-touch customer service. By comparing the ACI Europe institutional award with the ACI World ASQ passenger-choice award, it is clear that the airport’s operational efficiency aligns with traveler expectations. While institutional judges focus on sustainability and infrastructure, passengers consistently report higher satisfaction with the facility’s layout and staff responsiveness, according to the 2025 ASQ data.

ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2026: Livestream

Pro Tip: To minimize transit times at major hubs, check the airport’s official app for real-time security wait-time data before arriving at the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides the winners of the ACI Europe Best Airport Award?

A jury of eight independent experts, including representatives from the European Commission and Eurocontrol, evaluates airports on service, technology, and sustainability.
How often is the award given?

The award is presented annually during the ACI Europe Congress.
What does the 51 million passenger threshold mean?

Passing the 51 million mark signals that Fiumicino has solidified its position as one of Europe’s primary “mega-hubs,” capable of managing high-volume international traffic.

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