The apartment has become expensive: an 83-year-old man has been living at the airport for six months

An 83-year-old man has been living at Bologna International Airport for six months. The Italian, who lives on social assistance, can no longer afford an apartment. Now a solution must be found.

“Having coffee with the pilots, chatting with the ground staff, and even getting a permanent spot on one of the red chairs in the reception area at the check-in desks,” he describes.Republica» The daily life of 83-year-old Arnaldo.

He's elegant and well-dressed, a sort of Italian Tom Hanks. Just like the American actor in the movie “The Terminal,” the former wine consultant lives in the airport check-in area. For six months now.

“I will stay here”

Reason: Since Arnaldo lives only on a social pension, at some point he can no longer afford his apartment. Without further ado, he packed his luggage and drove to the airport. There he found incredible humanity, he says.Bologna in Direta».

He was given meals by airport staff and given a sleeping bag. Sometimes travelers leave something at the station, like a blanket from the Caucasus, for example. Arnaldo shaves every day in the airport restroom. He even talks to the police officers guarding Marconi Airport.

Arnaldo is fascinated by the stories of those who pass through the airport every day and travel to more or less exotic destinations. He secretly dreams of a trip to Iceland. But when someone asks him what his goal is, he says he has no goal: “I will stay here.”

Searching for an apartment is still unsuccessful

Marconi Airport and Bologna's social welfare office are aware of Arnaldo's situation. Efforts have already been made to find a suitable apartment for him. But so far without success.

Arnaldo is now hoping the media attention will increase his chances of landing a new rental apartment. “I hope this vision will help me find a home. All I need is an affordable one-room apartment, a shower and a stove. Then I will be happy.”

The 83-year-old says he also feels very satisfied. At the airport he met people he never thought “could exist.” The staff is not bothered by the presence of elderly people. “Someone like a little: he enriched us,” the airport attendant told Repubblica.