ENAC has published its definitive 2025 Traffic Data report, confirming another strong year for the Italian aviation sector.
Italian airports handled more than 229.7 million passengers in 2025, representing a 5% increase compared to 2024 and further consolidating the recovery and expansion of air transport across the country.
The report, spanning approximately 200 pages, provides a comprehensive overview of the Italian aviation landscape within the wider European context. It analyses passenger and cargo traffic trends, airport performance, carrier developments, route evolution, and historical traffic data covering the last two decades.
According to ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma, the figures confirm the strategic importance of aviation for Italy’s economic growth, competitiveness, connectivity, tourism, and cultural exchange. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty affecting global markets and aviation, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term growth potential.
Passenger Traffic Continues to Expand
Passenger traffic remained the key driver of growth in 2025, with Italian airports handling a total of 229,740,546 passengers across domestic and international routes.
Rome Fiumicino Airport maintained its position as Italy’s leading passenger hub, handling approximately 50.9 million passengers and accounting for 22% of total national traffic. The airport continues to strengthen its role as a major European gateway and international connectivity platform.
International traffic was once again the strongest growth segment, reaching 157.2 million passengers, equivalent to 68% of total traffic, and increasing by 8% compared to the previous year. The European Union remained the largest geographical traffic area, representing 43% of international traffic, with Spain identified as the leading destination market and the Rome Fiumicino – Madrid Barajas route emerging as the busiest connection.
Domestic traffic remained stable at approximately 72.5 million passengers, representing 32% of total traffic volumes. Rome Fiumicino also remained the leading airport for domestic operations with around 10 million domestic passengers.
Low-Cost Carriers Continue to Dominate the Market
One of the most significant trends highlighted in the report is the continued dominance of low-cost carriers within the Italian aviation market.
Low-cost airlines carried 145.4 million passengers in 2025, representing 63% of total passenger traffic and recording a further 6% increase compared to 2024. Traditional carriers accounted for 84.3 million passengers, or 37% of total traffic, with growth of 3%.
These figures illustrate how low-cost operators continue to shape the competitive dynamics of the Italian market, while also contributing to improved accessibility, regional connectivity, and increased passenger mobility throughout Europe.
Cargo Traffic Also Shows Positive Momentum
Cargo traffic also recorded positive growth during 2025. Italian airports handled more than 1.2 million tonnes of freight and mail, representing a 2% increase compared to the previous year.
Milan Malpensa Airport remained Italy’s leading cargo airport, accounting for 61% of total cargo volumes with more than 764,000 tonnes handled.
International cargo operations represented 94% of total cargo activity and were primarily driven by non-EU traffic, which increased by 7% compared to 2024. Germany emerged as the leading country by cargo volume, while the Milan Malpensa – Leipzig/Halle route was identified as the main cargo corridor.
The continued growth in cargo volumes further highlights the increasing importance of Italian airports within global logistics and supply chain networks.
Airports Continue to Evolve Beyond Traditional Infrastructure
Beyond the traffic figures themselves, the report underlines a broader transformation taking place across the aviation sector.
As passenger expectations evolve and operational complexity increases, airports are increasingly positioning themselves as integrated mobility and logistics hubs connecting air transport with rail, road, maritime transport, and wider urban ecosystems.
The sustained growth in both passenger and cargo traffic reinforces the importance of continued investment in digital transformation, operational efficiency, sustainability, passenger experience, cybersecurity, and intermodal connectivity.
For airports, airlines, infrastructure providers, and technology partners alike, the 2025 ENAC figures confirm that aviation remains a strategic pillar of Italy’s economic and infrastructure development while also highlighting the growing need for innovation and ecosystem collaboration to support future growth.
Read the official publication on ENAC’s website here.
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