Europe's best airport revealed as 'impressed' passengers praise 'luxury'

An airport in the Italiancapital has been named the best in Europe for a seventh year in a row.

Rome Fiumicino has scooped the gong as the best airport handling more than 40 million passengers a year in the ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards. The Roman travel hub was recognised with its "impressive commitment to passenger experience, sustainability and innovation."

While no one is pretending that flying is good for the environment - in fact, it is one of the most polluting forms of transport - Fiumicino's bosses have made better efforts than most when it comes to decarbonising the airport itself.
It recently launched Europe's largest solar farm, which should cut more than 11,000 tons of CO2 a year. Judges also highlighted its data-driven approach to management.

Fiumicino has now snatched the prize for a seventh year in a row, asserting its dominance in the 'large airport' category.

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A spokesperson for the airport said: "Rome’s Fiumicino Airport has been named the best airport in Europe for the seventh time. This award celebrates its great service, comfort, and modern spaces. Travelers enjoy smooth arrivals, clear signs, and many food and shopping options. Fiumicino keeps growing, making travel easier and welcoming millions each year."

On Airline Quality, some passengers have shared what they like about Fiumicino. One person from Taiwan wrote: "It is clean, modern and spacious. It is easily accessible by the Leonardo Express from Termini in about half an hour. Employees are friendly and helpful and can speak English well. The WiFi connection is stable. Signposts are clear."

Another, from the UK, added: "Great facilities, huge range of luxury and non-luxury shops and restaurants/food choices. I travel to/from this airport often and have never experienced long queues, not at the security checks nor when recollecting my luggage."

A third, from the UAE, shared: "Since my last visit, there have been tremendous improvements in the lounges and in the food and beverage on the second floor. The electronic passport scanner. I’m impressed. I'm positively impressed. Management efforts, I think, were amazing, and for me and my family, it has been a very pleasant experience."

While some aviation buffs may make their way to Fiumicino just to check out its award-winning facilities, most will only grace its hallowed halls on the way into the Eternal City.

Each year, 35 million people visit Rome. And you can certainly feel it on the streets. Earlier this year, one holidaymaker told of how they'd resorted to visiting theTrevi Fountainat 2am in an attempt to dodge the notorious crowds that congregate there.

Even at such a small hour, she was confronted by throngs.

In truth, visiting any of the great city's main attractions - whether that be the Colosseum, the Forum, or the Vatican - will bring you shoulder-to-shoulder with the masses. When visiting, picking up a book such as the Blue Guide, which is written by locals or those with a very intimate understanding of destinations, can help you find lesser-trod corners, underrated restaurants and ancient buildings with a baffling small number of visitors.

If you're after broad stroke recommendations, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a good bet. Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, it was once the tallest building in Rome and used as a fortress by popes. Nowadays, it's a museum packed with incredible artwork, sculptures and artefacts that offer you a glimpse into Rome's rich history.

The Galleria Borghese houses a spectacular range of artwork including pieces by Rossi and Bernini. Consisting of paintings and sculptures from throughout the ages, it is impossible not to fall in love with the grandeur of their histories.