Rome–Fiumicino tops list of Europe’s most passenger-friendly airports

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome has earned a top spot as the most passenger-friendly gateway in Europe.

The honours result from a new study by travel booking platform Omio, which has ranked Europe’s airports based on their security screening, reliable flight operations and strong transport links.

To determine its rankings, the company analysed 50 major European airports, evaluating factors such as security procedures, fast-track access, lounge availability, flight cancellation rates, terminal amenities, and connections to city centres.

Rome–Fiumicino simplifies travel with next-generation CT scanners

According to the study, Rome–Fiumicino stood out for its adoption of next-generation security technology and convenient links to the Italian capital.

New CT scanners installed at the airport allow passengers to leave electronics and liquids inside their carry-on bags during screening. This new technology has enabled many airports worldwide to eliminate the 100-millilitre “3-1-1 rule” for liquids and the separate screening of digital devices in passenger carry-ons. The scanners allow security staff to see 3D images of luggage contents and more easily identify any bags that require manual screening.

Other factors contributing to the Roman airport’s ranking include:

• Affordable fast-track security, costing about $11
• Low cancellation rates, below the European average
• Varied dining and retail offerings inside the terminal
• Fast rail connections—trains reach central Rome in around 32 minutes
• Competitive taxi fares—around $63 for a typical journey into the city

Fiumicino’s modern infrastructure and efficient operations place it ahead of many larger European hubs.

Top 10 most passenger-friendly airports in Europe

The full list of Omio’s top 10 most passenger-friendly airports in Europe is:

Spanish airports, managed by AENA, performed particularly well in Omio’s rankings, with Málaga, Barcelona, Madrid and Palma all appearing in the top ten.

Passengers win as Europe’s airport security rules are changing

One of the most significant findings of the study is the gradual shift away from strict liquid restrictions at many European airports.

Of the 50 airports Omio analysed, 18 have already installed next-generation CT scanners that allow passengers to keep larger liquids and electronics inside carry-on bags during security checks.

Airports where these systems are already operational include:

• Heathrow Airport
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
• Barcelona–El Prat Airport
• Frankfurt Airport
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport

In total, 35 of the airports studied no longer require travellers to remove laptops or tablets during screening, streamlining the checkpoint process.

Omio notes that procedures may still vary by airport or terminal, meaning travellers should check the sreening rules with their airport before packing their bags.

Reliability remains strong across Europe

The study also examined flight reliability, finding that cancellations remain relatively rare at most European airports.

Among the most reliable airports were:

• Istanbul Airport
• Athens International Airport
• Ibiza Airport
• Warsaw Chopin Airport
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

Each reported cancellation rate was below 1% of scheduled flights.

By contrast, Keflavík International Airport in Reykjavík recorded the highest cancellation rate in the study at 2.1%, largely due to factors outside the airport’s control, including weather disruptions and volcanic activity in the North Atlantic.

Rail links give European airports an advantage

Another factor boosting passenger experience is Europe’s strong rail connectivity between airports and city centres.

Airports such as Copenhagen Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Geneva Airport offer train journeys of under 20 minutes downtown, often running several times per hour.

Across the airports analysed, the average journey time to the city centre was about 28 minutes, with trains departing roughly every 5 minutes.

Taxi costs vary widely across Europe. In Naples, Lisbon and Warsaw, fares to the city centre are typically under $25. However, trips from airports such as Munich Airport or Heathrow Airport can exceed $100.

With evolving security technology and affordable intermodal travel, the airport experience in Europe has become more seamless.

Featured Image: Photo: Great Brut Here | stock.adobe.com

Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Interests *InterestsAir TransportAviation ServicesBusiness and General AviationDefenceEvent WrapsFuture WorkforceIn the SpotlightInnovation and TechnologyLeadershipManufacturingRegulationRotorcraftSpaceSustainabilityUnmannedUrban Air Mobility

*

• I agree to Aerospace Global News' Privacy Policy

Subscribe