Refurbishment and Repurposing of Terminal 3 - ADR Ingegneria
Refurbishment and Repurposing of Terminal 3
Design: 2020-2024
Work supervision and safety coordination: 2021 - 2025
The refurbishment and functional reconfiguration of Terminal 3 (formerly Terminal C) at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport forms part of the broader process of renewal and functional upgrading of the airport’s terminal system, one of Europe’s main hubs for passenger traffic and intercontinental connections. Terminal 3 represents the historical core of the airport terminal and is characterized by a layering of interventions carried out over time, which have progressively modified its architectural, functional, and building-services layout. The most recent works also included fire-safety upgrades to the terminal, both from a structural standpoint—through the assessment and enhancement of the fire resistance of the structures—and from a systems perspective, particularly regarding the smoke extraction systems, which were designed and implemented with precise workmanship and targeted integrations to ensure seamless coordination with the existing terminal.The Terminal 3 refurbishment project pursued the following objectives:
- to adapt the terminal to updated fire prevention, safety, and security regulations;
- to improve the overall functionality of the Arrivals and Departures areas by optimizing passenger flows;
- to enhance the passenger experience through architectural and systems renewal, developed according to a design concept consistent with the historical and architectural significance of Terminal 3, originally designed in 1960 by Cesare Luccichenti, Vincenzo Monaco, Amedeo Zavitteri, and Riccardo Morandi;
- to ensure maximum operational reliability of airport infrastructure during all construction phases and to guarantee full integration of the intervention with the terminal’s critical systems (BHS, HVAC/UTA, fire-fighting systems, and special systems).
The project involved the complete functional reconfiguration of the main areas of Terminal 3, acting in a coordinated manner across the building’s different levels and integrating the functional, operational, and architectural needs of a terminal that remained in service throughout the works. The intervention included: 41,000 m² subject to strip-out, strengthening of 421 columns across three elevations, 493 linear meters of structural joints, more than 1,300 tons of reinforcing steel and structural carpentry, 6,500 m² of concrete for strengthening and structural works, 2,800 m² of carbon fiber reinforcements, and 16,200 m² of strengthened slabs.
Arrivals Level (+2.00 m): reconfiguration of the baggage reclaim hall, expansion of the passenger hall, and integration with the new BHS-HBS system, accompanied by renewal of finishes and building systems to improve operational capacity, quality, and passenger experience.
Departures Level (+6.00 m): increased capacity and rationalization of check-in counters and related flows, doubling of baggage conveyors, improvement of circulation paths, and upgrading of waiting and operational areas to enhance functional efficiency and spatial comfort.
Mezzanine Level (+10.00 m): reorganization of predominantly technical areas, demolition of functions incompatible with updated fire regulations, and installation of a new HVAC (UTA) plant, consistent with the overall systems reconfiguration of the terminal.
The Terminal 3 refurbishment was developed according to an approach focused on sustainability and modernization of the existing building, consistent with the testimonial value of the original structure and its clear and distinctive architectural features. The design adopted solutions capable of meeting the technical review requirements of sustainable building protocols. The building achieved certification under the GBC Italia Historic Building protocol, representing an overall qualification tool aligned with the airport operator’s sustainable development strategies.
The project reached the Platinum level of HB certification, setting a record in terms of scale and typology: it is the largest Historic Building Platinum-certified structure in Italy and the first airport terminal in the world to obtain HB Platinum certification.
The infrastructure was inaugurated in May 2025 in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini. The airport, recognized for the eighth consecutive time by ACI World as the best European hub, has been further enhanced through the redevelopment of Terminal 3, covering a total area of 41,000 square meters.
