Chaos erupted at one of Italy's busiest travel hubs on Tuesday as a significant fire tore through a check-in area at Milan Malpensa Airport, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing through Terminal 1 and triggering a full-scale emergency response.
Shocking footage captured by fleeing passengers shows the moment the blaze ignited at a baggage drop desk, with flames and intense smoke rapidly filling the departures hall. The alarm was raised, leading to the immediate evacuation of hundreds of travellers and staff as emergency protocols swung into action.
Emergency services, including multiple fire crews and police, rushed to the scene at Italy's second-largest airport. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the terminal. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities.
The incident caused severe disruption to flight schedules. All departures from Terminal 1 were suspended indefinitely, stranding passengers and creating a backlog of flights. Incoming aircraft were also diverted to other airports, including Milan Linate and nearby hubs in neighbouring regions.
Airport officials and airlines have begun the arduous process of informing passengers of cancellations and delays. Travellers are being strongly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport and to expect widespread disruption throughout the day.
While there are no initial reports of serious injuries, the scene was one of panic and confusion. The event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust airport safety and evacuation procedures.
