At Milan’s Malpensa Airport attacker sets airport check-in desk on fire creating ruckus as passengers run for safety

20-Aug-2025

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Dramatic scenes were caught on camera at Milan’s Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 in Italy on August 20 and shared widely on social media.

Flames can be seen engulfing the check-in area while black smoke billows into the air.

The terrifying ordeal saw bystanders flee in confusion as the incident unfolded.

According to Italian media, around 10.30am on August 20 in the departure area of Terminal 1 a man went on a rampage in the check in area, first attempting to set fire to a bin.

The man armed with a hammer damaged check-in desks and information screens.

He then tried to hit multiple SEA security personnel before he was finally restrained by officers.

The man has since been arrested, according to reports.

The check-in area was closed until the situation was brought under control.

Part of the airport was closed as firefighters dashed in to extinguish the blaze.

Varese News has reported, a SEA employee who intervened to stop him reportedly suffered some injuries and was treated by medical services.

Pictures of the aftermath show the terminal consumed with heavy smoke as first responders cleared up the scene.

The situation was "quickly brought under control" following the man's arrest, a spokesperson for the Lombardy Airport Association said.

"Due to the closure of some areas and evacuation of premises, possible delays and cancellations for departures from the airport", they added. 

A provincial fire service spokesperson said: "The presence of smoke required the evacuation of the terminal itself for safety reasons.

"The affected area was quickly reached and made safe.

"Following this the operations at the airport continued without significant disruption to air traffic."