Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting millions of travelers every year who come to experience its breathtaking history, world-famous art, fashion, cuisine, and beautiful coastlines, and these list of international airports in Italy are the primary gateways that make this flow of visitors possible. Strategically located in Southern Europe and acting as a bridge between Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and Northern Africa, Italy maintains an extensive network of international airports that provide connections to every corner of the globe.
From Rome and Milan, which serve as global hubs linking Europe to the Americas and Asia, to regional airports in Venice, Naples, Bologna, and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Italy’s aviation infrastructure ensures accessibility for tourists, students, and business travelers alike. These airports not only handle millions of passengers annually but also play a crucial role in supporting Italy’s tourism-driven economy.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all international airports in Italy, highlighting the busiest hubs, their regional importance, transport accessibility, and their contribution to Italy’s position as a leading global travel destination.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- List of International Airports in Italy
- Major International Airports in Italy
- Accessibility and Transportation
- Role of Airports in Italian Tourism and Economy
- Top 10 Busiest Airports in Italy
- Airlines and Global Connectivity
- International Airports in Italy by Region
- Conclusion
List of International Airports in Italy
Italy has a widespread network of international airports serving its mainland and islands. Below is a complete list categorized by airport name, city, and region:
| Airport Name | City | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) | Rome | Lazio |
| Rome Ciampino | Rome | Lazio |
| Milan Malpensa | Milan | Lombardy |
| Milan Linate | Milan | Lombardy |
| Venice Marco Polo | Venice | Veneto |
| Treviso Antonio Canova | Treviso | Veneto |
| Naples International (Capodichino) | Naples | Campania |
| Bologna Guglielmo Marconi | Bologna | Emilia-Romagna |
| Turin Caselle (Sandro Pertini) | Turin | Piedmont |
| Genoa Cristoforo Colombo | Genoa | Liguria |
| Verona Villafranca (Valerio Catullo) | Verona | Veneto |
| Florence Peretola (Amerigo Vespucci) | Florence | Tuscany |
| Pisa Galileo Galilei | Pisa | Tuscany |
| Bari Karol Wojtyła | Bari | Apulia |
| Brindisi Papola Casale | Brindisi | Apulia |
| Catania Fontanarossa | Catania | Sicily |
| Palermo Falcone–Borsellino | Palermo | Sicily |
| Trapani–Birgi | Trapani | Sicily |
| Cagliari Elmas | Cagliari | Sardinia |
| Olbia Costa Smeralda | Olbia | Sardinia |
| Alghero Fertilia | Alghero | Sardinia |
List of International Airports in Italy (by City and Major Destinations)
| Airport Name | City | Major International Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) | Rome | New York, Paris, London, Dubai, Tokyo |
| Ciampino–G.B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) | Rome | Madrid, Barcelona, London, Berlin, Lisbon |
| Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) | Milan | New York, Dubai, London, Shanghai, Paris |
| Milan Linate Airport (LIN) | Milan | Paris, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Brussels |
| Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) | Venice | London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Doha |
| Naples International Airport (NAP) | Naples | London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, Zurich |
| Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) | Bologna | Frankfurt, Barcelona, London, Paris, Istanbul |
| Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) | Turin | Paris, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Brussels |
| Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) | Palermo | Rome, Milan, London, Berlin, Paris |
| Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) | Catania | Rome, Milan, London, Munich, Paris |
| Pisa International Airport (PSA) | Pisa | London, Paris, Dublin, Brussels, Amsterdam |
| Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) | Genoa | Munich, Paris, London, Rome, Frankfurt |
| Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) | Florence | Paris, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Munich |
Major International Airports in Italy Overview
Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci) – FCO
Rome Fiumicino is the largest and busiest airport in Italy, handling more than 40 million passengers annually. Located about 35 kilometers from Rome’s historic center, it is the main hub of ITA Airways (successor to Alitalia) and offers extensive global connections, particularly to Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. It has four terminals, modern facilities, and a direct rail link to Termini Station in Rome.
Rome Ciampino Airport – CIA
Ciampino is Rome’s second airport, smaller than Fiumicino but important for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. It primarily handles budget travelers and short-haul European routes, making it a popular choice for tourists seeking affordable flights to Rome.
Milan Malpensa Airport – MXP
Milan Malpensa is Northern Italy’s largest airport and the second busiest in the country. Located about 50 kilometers from Milan, it serves as a major international hub with long-haul connections across continents. It is particularly important for business travelers, given Milan’s status as Italy’s financial and fashion capital.
Milan Linate Airport – LIN
Closer to the city than Malpensa, Milan Linate focuses on domestic and short-haul European flights. It is highly convenient for travelers due to its proximity to central Milan, although it is smaller in size.
Venice Marco Polo Airport – VCE
Named after the famous explorer, Venice Marco Polo Airport is the primary international gateway to Venice and northeastern Italy. It handles millions of tourists annually, with strong connections to European destinations and seasonal flights to North America and Asia.
Naples International Airport (Capodichino) – NAP
Serving Southern Italy, Naples Airport is a key hub for travelers visiting Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast. It is located only 7 kilometers from the city center and has expanded international connections to major European cities.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport – BLQ
Bologna Airport is one of Italy’s fast-growing hubs, thanks to its central location and proximity to major cities like Florence, Verona, and Modena. It serves as a hub for both full-service and low-cost airlines.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport – CTA
Located in Sicily, Catania Airport is among the busiest in southern Italy, serving millions of passengers annually. It connects Sicily to mainland Italy and numerous European destinations, making it a key entry point for Mediterranean tourism.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport – PMO
Another major Sicilian airport, Palermo Airport is strategically located for travelers heading to western Sicily. It offers flights across Europe and to several African destinations.
Cagliari Elmas Airport – CAG
Located in Sardinia, Cagliari Airport serves southern Sardinia and is one of the main airports on the island. It provides connections to mainland Italy and seasonal European destinations.
Accessibility and Transportation
Italian airports are well integrated into public transport systems. Rome Fiumicino has direct train services to central Rome, while Milan Malpensa is connected by the Malpensa Express train. Venice Airport offers buses and water shuttles to reach the historic city, while airports like Naples, Bologna, and Florence provide bus and taxi services to city centers. Car rental facilities are widely available at all major airports, supporting convenient onward travel.
Role of Airports in Italian Tourism and Economy
Airports in Italy are vital to the country’s thriving tourism sector, which attracts millions of visitors to Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Sicily, and Sardinia every year. They also support Italy’s role as a global business hub, particularly in Milan, which is central to fashion, finance, and international trade. In addition, airports in Sicily and Sardinia are lifelines for these islands, connecting them to the mainland and beyond.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in Italy
| Rank | Airport Name | City | Passengers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rome Fiumicino (FCO) | Rome | 40M+ |
| 2 | Milan Malpensa (MXP) | Milan | 29M+ |
| 3 | Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) | Bergamo | 15M+ |
| 4 | Venice Marco Polo (VCE) | Venice | 11M+ |
| 5 | Naples International (NAP) | Naples | 10M+ |
| 6 | Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) | Catania | 10M+ |
| 7 | Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) | Bologna | 9M+ |
| 8 | Palermo Falcone–Borsellino (PMO) | Palermo | 7M+ |
| 9 | Milan Linate (LIN) | Milan | 7M+ |
| 10 | Cagliari Elmas (CAG) | Cagliari | 4M+ |
Airlines and Global Connectivity
Italy’s main flag carrier is ITA Airways, based in Rome Fiumicino, which offers extensive long-haul routes to North America, South America, and Asia. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air dominate regional and intra-European routes, making Italy highly accessible at competitive prices. This combination of full-service and low-cost carriers strengthens Italy’s position as a major European aviation hub.
SEE ALSO: Complete List of Airlines in Italy by Types and Categories
International Airports in Italy by Region
- Central Italy: Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino, Florence, Pisa.
- Northern Italy: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo, Venice, Turin, Verona, Bologna, Genoa.
- Southern Italy: Naples, Bari, Brindisi.
- Islands: Catania, Palermo, Trapani (Sicily); Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero (Sardinia).
This regional distribution ensures that no matter where visitors travel, they have access to an international airport within a few hours.
DISCOVER ALSO: Major Cities and Towns in Italy: Names, Locations, and Significance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – List of International Airports in Italy
1. How many international airports are there in Italy?
Italy has more than 20 international airports spread across the mainland and islands, with major hubs in Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Sicily, and Sardinia.
2. Which is the biggest international airport in Italy?
Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci – FCO) is the largest and busiest international airport in Italy, handling over 40 million passengers annually.
3. Which airport in Italy is best for traveling to Rome?
Rome Fiumicino is the main airport for international travelers heading to Rome, while Rome Ciampino serves budget airlines and European flights.
4. Which airport should I use when visiting Milan?
Milan Malpensa Airport is the largest and serves most international routes, while Milan Linate is closer to the city center and ideal for short-haul European flights.
5. What is the best airport to fly into for Venice?
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the closest and most convenient airport for Venice, offering direct connections to major European cities and seasonal long-haul routes.
6. Which airport is best for visiting Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast?
Naples International Airport (NAP) is the primary gateway for Southern Italy, including destinations like Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.
7. Are there international airports in Sicily and Sardinia?
Yes, Sicily has major international airports in Catania, Palermo, and Trapani, while Sardinia is served by airports in Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.
8. Which is the busiest airport in Northern Italy?
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the busiest in Northern Italy, serving long-haul and European flights, followed by Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY), popular with low-cost airlines.
9. Are Italian airports well connected to city centers?
Yes, major airports like Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, and Naples International have direct train, bus, or shuttle services to their respective city centers.
10. Which airlines fly most frequently to Italy?
Italy is served by ITA Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and many other international carriers.
READ ALSO: List of Domestic Airports in Italy by Regions and Locations
Conclusion – List of International Airports in Italy
International airports in Italy are not just transit hubs; they are essential pillars of the country’s tourism, business, and economic growth. From Rome and Milan, which connect Italy to the world, to regional airports across Sicily, Sardinia, and other parts of the country, they make it easy for millions of visitors to explore Italy’s art, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a tourist, a student, or a professional, these airports ensure smooth entry into one of the most iconic destinations in the world.