Rome’s main airport has been shut after a fire broke out in a baggage storage area.
Fiumicino airport is to remain closed until 2pm local time.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight in an underground baggage area of airport’s Terminal 3, which is used for international flights.
At least three people suffered smoke inhalation but there were no serious injuries, officials said.
A fire brigade official told Reuters that the fire was under control but the cause was unknown.
Nearly 20 fire engines were at the airport. The main motorway linking it to Rome was closed to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Flight disruption at Fiumicino will be compounded by a strike by ground handlers at a number of airports in Italy today (Thursday).
EasyJet said: “Like all airlines, easyJet’s flights to and from some of the Italian airports will be affected and we apologise for any inconvenience caused despite this being beyond the airline’s control.
“We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact to our customers and we have proactively taken the decision to cancel 13 flights to allow customers to re-organise their travel plans.”