In a dramatic series of coordinated assaults on December 27, 1985, members of the Palestinian militant group, Abu Nidal Organization, targeted two key airports in Europe: Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, and Vienna International Airport in Austria. The attacks were characterized by gunmen opening fire on innocent travelers and airport staff, resulting in eighteen deaths and numerous injuries. These actions were intended to escalate the visibility of the Palestinian struggle and to exert pressure on Western governments regarding their stance on the Palestinian issue.

The attack at the airports revealed significant vulnerabilities in airport security protocols, particularly in the context of increasing global terrorism. The assailants demonstrated a high level of planning and coordination, suggesting that the assaults were part of a broader strategy by militant groups to diversify the battlefield away from the Middle East and into Europe. They aimed not only to inflict casualties but also to capture international attention and provoke governmental reactions.

In the aftermath, law enforcement agencies around Europe engaged in extensive reviews of security measures at airports, resulting in heightened vigilance and the implementation of more rigorous screening processes. The violent incidents were condemned by various international leaders and organizations, further complicating the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the associated perceptions of terrorism in Europe.