Airports Council International (ACI) World has once again crowned Rome’s “Leonardo da Vinci” airport the best large European hub (over 40 million passengers) in its 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, announced on 24 February 2026. Sister airport Rome-Ciampino also took first place in the 2-5 million-passenger category, extending Italy’s winning streak to nine consecutive years.(ansa.it)
The ASQ programme surveys more than 600,000 passengers globally and scores airports on 34 performance indicators, from security wait times and cleanliness to Wi-Fi and availability of business lounges. Fiumicino’s latest triumph reflects a decade-long investment cycle led by operator Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), including the new Boarding Area A, biometric self-boarding gates, and a partnership with the Italian Post Office that allows travellers to renew electronic identity cards on-site. ADR says these enhancements have trimmed average connection times by 18 minutes—critical for high-yield intercontinental traffic.
![Rome-Fiumicino and Ciampino named Europe’s top airports for service quality—for the ninth year running]()
For international executives and tourists planning to experience Fiumicino’s award-winning efficiency first-hand, VisaHQ can streamline pre-trip formalities. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) provides real-time visa requirements, digital application tools, and optional courier services, helping travellers secure Italian entry visas or transit authorisations quickly—perfectly complementing the seamless airport experience.
For mobility managers the accolade signals a reliable gateway for conferences tied to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Italy’s booming high-end tourism sector. ADR’s upcoming master-plan—currently in public consultation—aims to add a midfield satellite and rail link upgrades by 2030, potentially increasing slot availability for long-haul corporate routes. Airlines are likely to leverage the award in marketing and may negotiate for additional frequencies, benefiting expatriate assignees who rely on direct links to North America and Asia.
The continued recognition also strengthens Italy’s case for EU funding under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) refresh, which prioritises seamless multimodal connectivity. Business travellers transiting through Rome can expect incremental gains in digital wayfinding, fast-track immigration lanes and expanded Schengen e-gates—all elements that reduce traveller friction and total trip cost.
The ASQ programme surveys more than 600,000 passengers globally and scores airports on 34 performance indicators, from security wait times and cleanliness to Wi-Fi and availability of business lounges. Fiumicino’s latest triumph reflects a decade-long investment cycle led by operator Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), including the new Boarding Area A, biometric self-boarding gates, and a partnership with the Italian Post Office that allows travellers to renew electronic identity cards on-site. ADR says these enhancements have trimmed average connection times by 18 minutes—critical for high-yield intercontinental traffic.
For international executives and tourists planning to experience Fiumicino’s award-winning efficiency first-hand, VisaHQ can streamline pre-trip formalities. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) provides real-time visa requirements, digital application tools, and optional courier services, helping travellers secure Italian entry visas or transit authorisations quickly—perfectly complementing the seamless airport experience.
For mobility managers the accolade signals a reliable gateway for conferences tied to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Italy’s booming high-end tourism sector. ADR’s upcoming master-plan—currently in public consultation—aims to add a midfield satellite and rail link upgrades by 2030, potentially increasing slot availability for long-haul corporate routes. Airlines are likely to leverage the award in marketing and may negotiate for additional frequencies, benefiting expatriate assignees who rely on direct links to North America and Asia.
The continued recognition also strengthens Italy’s case for EU funding under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) refresh, which prioritises seamless multimodal connectivity. Business travellers transiting through Rome can expect incremental gains in digital wayfinding, fast-track immigration lanes and expanded Schengen e-gates—all elements that reduce traveller friction and total trip cost.
