A significant security incident occurred at Milan Malpensa Airport on the morning of August 20, when a passenger set fire to a check-in desk in Terminal 1. The event prompted a partial evacuation of the terminal and highlighted the challenges of maintaining safety in busy airport environments.
The disturbance began around 10:30 a.m. when the individual ignited a waste bin using a flammable liquid and then proceeded to damage check-in desks and information screens with a hammer, targeting desks 12 and 13. A SEA airport employee attempted to intervene and sustained injuries during the confrontation. Airport police quickly restrained the suspect, who was identified as a Malian resident living in Italy with no prior criminal record. Firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames, and emergency services assisted in evacuating passengers from the affected area.
Despite the evacuation, air traffic operations continued with minimal disruption. Some departures experienced minor delays due to the temporary closure of the damaged sections of Terminal 1, but overall airport operations resumed promptly. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the incident, and further updates are expected as the inquiry continues. The event demonstrates the rapid response capabilities of airport security and emergency services. Officers acted swiftly to contain the situation, restrain the suspect, and ensure that passengers and staff were moved to safety. The prompt intervention helped prevent further injuries and limited the damage to property.
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Officials are continuing their investigation, including reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to understand the circumstances that led to the attack. Authorities are also examining whether any lapses in procedure contributed to the escalation, with the aim of improving preventative measures in the future.
Passengers affected by the partial evacuation were assisted by airport staff and directed to safe areas while emergency crews managed the scene. Staff members who were injured received immediate medical attention, and operations were adjusted to ensure both safety and continuity of service. The events at Milan Malpensa Airport highlight the unpredictable nature of security challenges in busy transport hubs and the critical role of swift, coordinated responses. The effective actions of airport staff, police, and emergency crews prevented the situation from escalating, ensuring passenger safety and limiting property damage. Ongoing investigations aim to understand how the incident occurred and to strengthen protocols to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
