Why Is Rome Airport Called FCO?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever wondered why Rome’s main airport is called FCO? In this article, we will uncover the origins of this peculiar name and its significance. Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating story behind FCO!

The Meaning Behind FCO

FCO is not just a random combination of letters; it actually has a deeper meaning. The name FCO stands for “Fiumicino” Airport, which is the official name of Rome’s main international airport.

Fiumicino Airport

Fiumicino Airport is located in Fiumicino, a town situated southwest of Rome. It serves as the primary entry point for travelers visiting the Eternal City. With its modern facilities and extensive connections to various destinations worldwide, Fiumicino Airport plays a crucial role in Italy’s tourism industry.

Now that you know what FCO stands for let’s explore the reasons behind this unique naming convention.

The History

The name “Fiumicino” originates from the nearby town and river with the same name. It was chosen to pay homage to the area where the airport is located. The river Fiumicino flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea, making it an essential geographical feature of this region.

Moreover, FCO was chosen as an alphanumeric code for easy identification purposes. This code system helps differentiate airports worldwide and is part of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport codes.

IATA Airport Codes

The IATA airport codes are three-letter codes assigned to airports worldwide. These codes simplify ticketing, baggage handling, and other airline-related operations by providing a standardized way to identify airports globally.

  • First Letter: The first letter of the code usually represents the country or geographic region where the airport is located. In this case, “F” represents Italy.
  • Middle Letters: The middle letters, in this case, “CO,” are often derived from the airport name itself.

    In this case, “CO” stands for “Civitavecchia”, a nearby town.

  • Last Letter: The last letter is often used to distinguish between multiple airports within the same region or country. However, in the case of Fiumicino Airport, there are no other airports with similar codes in Italy.

So, next time you come across FCO while booking your flight to Rome or looking at your luggage tags, remember that it represents Fiumicino Airport and its connection to the town and river of the same name.

In Conclusion

The name FCO for Rome’s main airport may seem arbitrary at first glance, but it has a rich history and significance. It pays tribute to the area where the airport is situated and follows the standard IATA airport code system for easy identification.

Now that you know why Rome Airport is called FCO, you can share this interesting tidbit with your fellow travelers and impress them with your knowledge!