**A bold vision for Italy’s main intercontinental hub** Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has presented an ambitious sustainable development masterplan that aims to raise its annual passenger capacity from just over 44 million in 2023 to 100 million by 2046, the end of its concession period. The plan, backed by Italy’s new National Airport Plan 2026–2035, confirms Fiumicino’s status as the country’s number one intercontinental hub. With a total investment of €8–9 billion, entirely funded by Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) without public money, the project combines traffic growth, technological innovation, and strict environmental constraints. **New runway to cut noise and streamline operations** At the heart of the airside development is a new 3,400 m runway to be built parallel to and west of the existing Runway 3. It will take over operations currently handled by Runway 1, allowing a complete reorganisation of the runway system. ADR claims this will reduce noise impact on nearby residential areas by up to 80%. In the new configuration, Runway 1 will be used primarily for landings, with its threshold displaced and operational length shortened by about 900 m, increasing aircraft height over populated zones. The 900 m removed from aeronautical use will be turned into a public archaeological park maintained by ADR. The fourth runway will be accompanied by upgraded taxiways, aprons, and rapid-exit connectors to match ground capacity with flight operations. **Terminal East: an industrial tool and architectural manifesto** The centrepiece of the terminal side is the future Terminal East, a 350,000 m² multi-level building that will house two new boarding zones (K and L), providing over 76 aircraft stands and an additional capacity of more than 35 million passengers per year. ADR aims for LEED Platinum certification, the highest international standard for sustainable construction, through innovative energy efficiency, water management, and environmental comfort solutions. The design features large glass surfaces and undulating roofs, blending operational functionality with Italian cultural identity via a permanent exhibition route dedicated to art, history, and local heritage. Eventually, all terminals will be connected by an internal rail transit system to optimise connections, especially for long-haul traffic that Rome hopes to capture from competing European hubs. **Metrolink: a metro-like rail service – still hypothetical** The so-called “Metrolink” project, reported by Corriere della Sera, remains a working hypothesis subject to significant technical, financial, and institutional hurdles. One variant would see all trains running between Termini and Fiumicino Airport in about 36 minutes, with different intermediate stops but similar travel times. A second configuration would involve three routes: two to Termini and one to Tiburtina, with a 37-minute travel time. Neither ADR nor Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) have officially confirmed the detailed plan, but it has support from the Lazio Region and the City of Rome, keen to reduce car use and align with transport decarbonisation goals. **What this means for ATPL and ATC students** For future pilots and controllers, this masterplan signals major changes in airfield layout, runway configuration, and traffic flows at one of Europe’s key airports. Understanding the new runway system, noise-abatement procedures, and ground movement patterns will be essential for those training to operate at FCO or similar large hubs. The emphasis on sustainability and intermodal connectivity also reflects broader industry trends that ATPL and ATC students must grasp for their exams and future careers.