Fire and hammer attack disrupts Milan Malpensa terminal

A man started a fire and damaged screens at the Milan Malpensa airport terminal, triggering a partial evacuation and raising questions about airport safety.

Fire and hammer attack disrupts Milan Malpensa terminal

An agitated man started a fire at a check in desk inside the Milan Malpensa airport terminal around 11:00 local time. Emergency services arrived and evacuated the area as smoke filled the hall. A bystander used a fire extinguisher to restrain the man and a hammer was used to strike a wall and an advertising screen during the incident. A two minute video shared on social media shows the events, with others restraining the suspect. There were no reported injuries at the time, according to Corriere della Sera, and the airport said there was no significant disruption to air traffic. The BBC Verify corroborated the video. The motive behind the incident remains unclear, and investigators are reviewing security footage and statements. The disruption appeared limited to the terminal area with queues outside as staff guided passengers to safety.

The incident tests how quickly a busy terminal can shift from routine to crisis. It highlights the constant tension airports face between keeping people safe and maintaining normal service during peak flows. Social media visibility can amplify anxiety and pressure officials to provide fast answers, sometimes before full facts are known. In the longer run, the event may prompt reviews of entry controls, staff training, and crowd management to reduce risk in high traffic periods.

Highlights

Authorities will review safety and emergency response protocols to prevent a repeat