Rome Fiumicino is a comparative latecomer to the development of air services in Rome, having opened in 1961. Until then Ciampino was the city's principal airport, but the growing appetite for air travel demanded a bigger facility.

Ciampino can trace its lineage back to 1916 when it was opened as a military base for airships. When the brief era of the airship faded Ciampino developed into Rome's major air traffic hub.

It fulfilled that role for over 30 years until Fiumicino opened in January 1961. Big changes came about in the early 1970s when the two existing runways were lengthened and construction work started on a third. The international terminal was extended but with 50 companies providing services at Fiumicino rationalization was needed.

In 1974 all airport services were brought together under the present operator, Aeroporti di Roma, which became responsible for development and growth.

That development has reached a new stage as ADR prepares Fiumicuno for the huge traffic growth predicted for the 21st century.