Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) became a scene of chaos when a passenger set fire to Terminal 1’s check-in desks.
The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, at around 11:00 local time. According to reports, the suspect, a man wielding a hammer, suddenly doused the check-in desks with flammable liquid before setting them on fire. He then proceeded to smash monitors and TV screens, as can be seen on video footage that was captured and has since made the rounds on social media.
The man was later apprehended by fellow passengers, as other people fled the airport for safety.
La situazione è tornata subito sotto controllo dopo l'arresto del folle che ha dato fuoco e distrutto alcuni banchi check in.
— Associazione Aeroporti Lombardi ✈️ (@aptlombardi) August 20, 2025
Causa chiusura alcune zone ed evacuazione locali, possibili ritardi e cancellazioni in partenza da #Malpensa T1#emergenza #milano #aeroporto #avgeek pic.twitter.com/07ScRk9lf1
Although no injuries were reported, the incident resulted in partial evacuation of the airport, causing delays and cancellations of some flights departing from Terminal 1.
The Lombardi Airports Association later announced that the situation had been brought under control, and that the suspect had been arrested.