Milan Malpensa Airport fire prompts brief evacuation

Published on Aug 20, 2025, 2:02 pm CDT

5 min read

A small fire and vandalism in the check-in area of Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) forced a partial evacuation on August 20, 2025. Italian media report a 28-year-old man from Mali doused counters with flammable liquid, lit a bin near Gate 13, and smashed nearby screens with a hammer before being restrained by airport security and border police. Fire crews extinguished the flames quickly, and authorities said flight operations continued with minimal disruption. No injuries were reported. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and taking witness statements as damage assessments begin.

Key Points

Why it matters: A security incident briefly disrupted Terminal 1 at one of Italy's busiest gateways.
Travel impact: Check-in areas were evacuated; airlines reported minimal schedule disruption.
What's next: Police probe continues; the suspect faces aggravated damage charges.
Time and place: Around 1030 to 1100 a.m., August 20, 2025, Terminal 1, Gate 13.
Response: SEA security, border police, and firefighters contained the incident quickly.

Snapshot

Passengers and staff cleared portions of Terminal 1 after flames and smoke rose from a bin near Gate 13. Witness video shows travelers moving away as a man swings a hammer at check-in monitors before being subdued. Firefighters secured the area, then ventilation and cleanup followed. Authorities told local outlets that flight operations remained largely regular, with only localized delays during the evacuation. Early reporting identifies the suspect as a 28-year-old Malian national living in Milan. Several outlets note he was handed to the Polaria, the airport's border police. No injuries were reported, and the terminal re-opened once smoke conditions improved.

Background

Malpensa's Terminal 1 houses the bulk of long-haul and many European departures for the Lombardy region. Today's incident comes during a busy late-summer travel period for Italy. Earlier this summer, airport labor actions periodically slowed processing and baggage handling nationwide, a reminder that multiple risks can compound at peak times. For context on recent Italian airport operations, see Europe Airport Walkouts Peak: July 27-28 Disruptions. Separately, Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) handled an unrelated fatal ground incident in July, underscoring why authorities move quickly to isolate hazards inside terminals. Malpensa operator SEA said emergency procedures worked as designed, with firefighters and police clearing affected zones.

Latest Developments

Terminal 1 area reopens after safety checks

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and cleared smoke, allowing parts of Terminal 1 to reopen after inspections. Border police detained the suspect, and the airport's operator coordinated cordons and housekeeping to restore check-in positions damaged by fire and hammer strikes. Local outlets reported most flights remained on schedule, with isolated knock-on delays during the evacuation window. Damage appears limited to a cluster of counters and information screens near Gate 13. Authorities have not indicated a motive. Video verified by multiple newsrooms shows bystanders assisting a SEA security agent in restraining the suspect before police took him into custody. Airlines advised passengers to allow extra time while crews finished cleanup.

Suspect in custody, investigation underway

Italian media identified the suspect as a Malian national in his late twenties who resides in Milan. Reports say he poured a flammable liquid on counters, lit a bin, and used a hammer to smash check-in monitors and nearby screens. Police booked him on aggravated damage charges and are reviewing earlier interactions with local authorities. Statements to the press emphasized that emergency protocols, including swift alerts to firefighters and partial evacuations, limited operational fallout. Officials indicated that any further terminal repairs would be sequenced to avoid peak departure banks, with updates to follow if additional closures are needed.

Analysis

For travelers, two threads matter. First, the response worked. Fire suppression, security intervention, and police custody occurred within a short window, which contained risk and kept the schedule intact. That mirrors a broader European airport posture where terminal incidents trigger immediate evacuations, even when the fire source is small. Second, operational resilience held under summer load. Staffing and gate utilization at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) can be tight around midday; quick zoning and smoke control helped avoid mass cancellations. Expect a brief period of cautionary housekeeping, with some check-in positions relocated while screens and counters are repaired. This is a good reminder to keep airline apps on for gate or desk changes, carry a digital boarding pass, and arrive with buffer time. It also underscores that disruptions in Italy this season have spanned causes, from labor actions to isolated security events. Staying flexible with baggage drop timing and monitoring push notifications remains the best hedge.

Final Thoughts

If you are departing soon from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), plan a little extra time for check-in while repairs wrap up, and watch for airline messages about desk changes. Bring a digital boarding pass, verify your terminal, and use self-service where available to bypass any localized queues. For most travelers, the incident should not alter itineraries, but vigilance and buffer time always help. Authorities say operations are normal, and the terminal is open. We will update if police or the operator announce further closures related to the Milan Malpensa Airport fire.