Chaos in Milan: the fire at the airport that caused thousands of tourists to flee

On the morning of August 20, 2025, Milan's main airport, Malpensa, experienced tense moments when a man started a fire in the check-in area of Terminal 1, causing a mass evacuation and panic among tourists and travelers.

An Unexpected Incident

It all started around 10:30 a.m. when an individual set fire to a waste container and then began smashing check-in desks and information screens with a hammer. This erratic behavior exposed the vulnerability of the check-in area, usually considered safe and controlled.

Chaotic Scene: Smoke, Fire, and Mass Escape

Images and videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke filling the terminal. Passengers, shocked and frightened, ran for safety. One tourist recounted:

“I just looked back and saw the counter across on fire. I ran for my life, holding my husband's hand. Everyone around screamed and fled.”

Emergency Services to the Rescue

The first response to the emergency was immediate: firefighters arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the fire in a short time. Meanwhile, airport security and emergency staff helped safely evacuate those present. Even an employee of SEA (the airport management company) was injured while trying to restrain the attacker.

Authorities confirmed that although part of the terminal was temporarily closed, flight operations continued with minimal disruption. Possible delays or cancellations are expected due to the partial closure and activated security protocols.

Reason Still Unknown

At this time, no clear motive behind the act has been revealed. The attacker was arrested on site, but details about his identity, background, or reasons remain undisclosed.