ABU DHABI // Flights from the UAE to Italy were disrupted after a fire led to the closure of Rome’s Fiumicino airport.
The fire broke out on Wednesday night in an underground baggage area of Terminal 3, which is used for international flights, according to local news reports.
A spokesman for Etihad Airways said the airline was expecting its flight EY084 from Rome to Abu Dhabi and the return journey on Thursday to be delayed because of the closure. He said the terminal was expected to reopen at 2pm local time.
“The airline will provide all necessary assistance to guests who may miss their connecting flights as a result of this event and will advise them of itinerary changes,” he said.
Emirates said that its flight EK099 from Dubai to Rome was delayed by three hours. The EK 100 flight from Rome to Dubai was also cancelled and passengers were rebooked on EK 098, to depart from Terminal 1.
“Passengers are reminded to check www.emirates.com for flight status updates,” said a spokespersn for the airline. “Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”
There were no serious injuries in the fire but, according to local reports, at least three people needed treatment for smoke inhalation.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
