Rome's Fiumicino airport closes temporarily after huge fire

A huge fire broke out at the Fiumicino airport in Italy's capital early Thursday, shutting the airport down and impeding surrounding traffic, local reports said.

Terminal 3 of the busy airport was cordoned off while firefighters strived to contain the flames amid reports that air traffic had been suspended.

Three workers at the airport were reported to be intoxicated, though not seriously. Italy's ANSA news agency said some retail space was devastated and several shops were destroyed.

According to Rome-based Il Messaggero newspaper, an employee of Air France-KLM airlines was rushed to hospital after he suffered a heart attack due to the fire.

Il Messaggero also said more than 10 people working within the rescue teams were slightly intoxicated too.

Hundreds of passengers were reportedly stranded in the departures and arrivals areas at the airport, while traffic on the surrounding railways and road system was disrupted.

"I landed in Rome from New York early this morning, and the hostess told us there were some problems in the airport so that we could not pick up our luggage at Terminal 3," journalist Gianni Riotta told Rai state television.

The first flights were resumed at the airport in the late morning, Rai said. However, it will take a few days before all normal activities are restored, airport sources said.

Local authorities reportedly assured that the fire had not been maliciously set.

According to ANSA, the fire may have originated in the kitchen of a restaurant in the commercial area, while Rai said the flames could have come from the airport's switchboard. Endi