Man smashes screens and sets fire in Milan Malpensa Terminal 1

(MILAN) A man armed with a hammer started a fire and smashed information screens inside Terminal 1 of Milan Malpensa Airport on Wednesday morning, triggering an evacuation, a partial shutdown, and delays across Italy’s second-busiest air hub. Authorities said there were no fatalities, and flights have resumed with extra security and cleaning in place while police investigate the motive.

The disturbance began at about 10:30 a.m. local time on August 20, 2025, when the attacker—identified as a Malian resident in Italy with no prior criminal record—entered the check-in area between desks 12 and 13, shattered several monitors with the hammer, and set fire to a rubbish bin using a flammable liquid, according to the airport operator SEA and the Lombardy Airports Association. A SEA staff member saw smoke and tried to stop the man as passengers nearby helped restrain him. Border Police officers then intervened, seized the hammer, and arrested the suspect on site.

Fire crews arrived within minutes, fought the flames, and ordered a full evacuation because heavy smoke made the air inside “unbreathable,” staff said. Video from the scene showed black smoke billowing from the building as travelers rushed outside, queuing on the sidewalks while alarms sounded. One SEA employee who stepped in was injured and treated by emergency medics. No serious passenger injuries have been confirmed.

Airport authorities said Terminal 1 was partially closed for several hours. Passengers waited outside while crews cleared smoke and checked the building. While air traffic continued, officials reported delays and some cancellations. The provincial fire service later declared the area safe, allowing arrivals and departures to continue under tighter controls.

What we know so far

• The suspect’s motive remains unknown and is under police investigation. The Lombardy Airports Association confirmed the arrest.
• The hammer used in the attack was confiscated. The suspect tried to strike multiple security personnel before being restrained by Border Police.
• Terminal 1 has reopened, but travelers should expect residual delays and possible cancellations through the day.
• The check-in area affected by the fire is undergoing extra cleaning, and air quality is being monitored.
• A SEA employee suffered injuries during the intervention; no deaths have been reported.

Quick, coordinated action by staff and passengers likely prevented a worse outcome.

Security experts say the fast action by staff and passengers likely kept the situation from getting worse. Regular training for front-line airport workers—especially those stationed near check-in and public entrances—appears to have played a key role in the quick response. Passenger groups praised the intervention but urged airport leaders to share more details about planned upgrades and support for affected travelers and employees.

Border Police and local law enforcement are reviewing how the attacker reached the check-in area with a hammer and flammable liquid. Commentators have questioned whether perimeter checks and controls on non-passenger access need to be tightened. SEA said it is cooperating fully with investigators.

Travel and security impact

Airport officials stressed that overall flight operations at Milan Malpensa Airport were not severely disrupted, but the knock-on effect from the morning evacuation caused delays and some cancellations.

Travelers flying today and in the next few days should:

1. Check flight status directly with airlines and allow extra time for check-in and security.
2. Expect a stronger police and security presence in public areas.
3. Be ready for additional screening in and around Terminal 1 while reviews continue.

Additional operational notes:

• Officials reported delays and some cancellations following the evacuation.
• The provincial fire service declared the area safe after clearance and cleaning.
• Arrivals and departures resumed under tighter controls and heightened security.

Security technology and policy context

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Milan Malpensa recently rolled out advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners at security checkpoints. These scanners, introduced across Italian airports as part of a modernization effort, allow passengers to carry liquids up to two liters in hand luggage and keep electronics inside bags during screening.

• These measures took effect in July 2025 and are unrelated to today’s attack.
• The incident may prompt renewed scrutiny of rule enforcement, especially in public-facing zones outside security checkpoints.

Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, oversees airport safety and passenger security standards nationwide. For official guidance on aviation safety and airport procedures, travelers can consult ENAC’s website at https://www.enac.gov.it/en. Any policy updates stemming from the investigation would be coordinated with ENAC and implemented by airport operators, including SEA.

SEA and the Lombardy Airports Association led emergency communications during the event. The fire service confirmed the evacuation and said crews contained the flames quickly. Border Police continue to lead the criminal probe. Airport staff unions called for:

• A complete review of entry controls.
• Better protection for front-line workers.
• Counseling and support for those affected by smoke and chaos.

Airport profile and security implications

Milan Malpensa is Italy’s second-busiest airport, serving about 28 million passengers each year and acting as a major European hub. The airport has invested heavily in safety in recent years, but this is one of the more serious breaches reported lately.

• The attack’s location—before security, near the check-in desks—highlights a common vulnerability: public zones remain more open to accommodate passengers, families, and staff.
• That openness can be a weak spot, which is why managers often add plainclothes patrols, cameras, and rapid-response teams to these areas.

Police have not released further information about the suspect beyond nationality, residency status in Italy, and the lack of a prior criminal record. The focus now is on motive, planning, and whether any gaps in entry screening or patrols could have been exploited. Officials did not indicate any wider threat.

Guidance for affected passengers

For passengers whose plans were affected:

• Follow standard airline policies on delays and cancellations. Keep boarding passes and receipts for extra costs.
• Work with your carrier for rebooking and compensation where applicable.
• The airport operator encouraged people to follow airline alerts rather than heading to the terminal without confirmed flight information.

The new CT scanner rules remain in force:

• Travelers can keep laptops and tablets in bags and carry liquids up to two liters, but should still pack items carefully and follow staff instructions.
• Temporary checks during the investigation may lengthen lines; added screening will focus on safety while restoring normal flow.

What happens next

This incident will likely shape Italy’s debate on airport security and emergency planning in the months ahead. Lawmakers and regulators may examine:

• Perimeter access and controls.
• Public-area patrols and surveillance.
• Training standards for private contractors and airline ground staff.

Any legislative or regulatory updates would follow the findings of the ongoing investigation.

For real-time airport updates, travelers can visit the official Milan Malpensa Airport website at https://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com and contact their airlines directly. Those needing help on-site can approach airport information desks or local police officers posted around the terminals.