Security at Rome's Fiumicino Airport discovered a man sleeping on the baggage carousel as he passed through x-ray scanners.

A 36-year old Norwegian male was woken in the baggage collection area and currently faces criminal charges in reference to his unsanctioned snooze.

The man appeared to be soused as he entered the terminal to catch a return flight to Oslo, according to La Repubblica.

The individual allegedly dumped his rucksack on an unoccupied check-in belt and his body followed soon after.

The carousel was activated by airport staff at a separate desk and his 15-minute ride was underway.

Police said the man’s unscheduled journey had not caused any security risk.

“There is a security system – a sort of roll-up blind – which can only be opened by the member of staff who loads the baggage,” a police officer said.

“[The Norwegian] could have carried on going round the main belt but he could never have ended up in sensitive areas of the airport.”

The individual is also undergoing medical checks in relation to the incident.