Almost 49 million travellers pass through Rome's airports in 2018.

2018 was a record year for passenger numbers at Rome's two international airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino, which between them welcomed almost 49 million passengers, according to Aeroporti di Roma (AdR).

The news was particularly positive for Fiumicino, also known as Leonardo da Vinci airport, which registered 43 million passengers, an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to 2017. Fiumicino also recorded a 14.4 per cent increase in long-haul traffic.

AdR attributed the surge in passenger numbers to a variety of factors including a successful international campaign to promote Rome as a travel destination, the introduction of a series of direct flights to new countries, and significant growth in traffic between North and South America and Asia.

Last year Fiumicino scooped several prestigious international awards including world's most improved airport as well as being voted ninth best airport in the world.