This iconic Italian destination is about to gain its own airport

There’s a saying when it comes to visiting Italy: the more difficult it is to reach a place, the more breathtaking the experience awaits you.

That saying is about to change a bit as the Amalfi Coast welcomes its very own airport.

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport is set to reopen in July, located 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Amalfi and just 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Salerno, the gateway city to the renowned coast.

Technically, it’s a revival rather than a completely new airport. First built in 1926, over its 98-year history, it has served as a military base, flight school, firefighting center, and private airport.

In 2007, the airport was revamped to accommodate commercial flights as well. The runway was extended, and new facilities including two gates and four check-in counters were added. Airlines that served the airport included Air Dolomiti and VolaSalerno, a short-lived local carrier with only one plane that ceased operations in 2008. The airport was eventually shut down in 2016.

On July 11, the airport will begin a new chapter with the launch of commercial flights by Volotea, a Spanish airline with a strong foothold in Italy.

A gradual introduction of airport services

In January, the green light was given for commercial flights, and for the upcoming reopening, the runway has been lengthened to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Aircraft stands and additional facilities have also been put in place.

Operations will begin gradually as the airport is still undergoing development, with the full completion expected by 2026.

This year, Volotea will begin serving four destinations, starting with Nantes in France and Cagliari in Sardinia in July, followed by Verona and Catania in September. Talks are also ongoing with other major airlines to serve the airport, according to GESAC, the airport's managing body.

As flights begin, construction work will keep progressing.

A new passenger terminal is set to be completed by 2026-2027. The 16,000-square-meter (172,222-square-foot) terminal will be designed by the Dutch firm Deerns, who were awarded the expansion project due to their plans prioritizing environmental sustainability and local integration, according to a statement from GESAC.

Deerns has previously contributed to expansions at airports in Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Kuwait City.

The futuristic terminal will be built with natural and eco-friendly materials, and its roof will feature photovoltaic panels to generate energy, helping reduce CO2 emissions.

The second phase of development will also include extending the runway to 2,200 meters (7,218 feet).

'A milestone for the region'

In the meantime, a new terminal dedicated to general aviation (mainly for private planes) is set to be completed by next year. Commercial flights will also operate from this terminal until the new passenger terminal is finished.

The airport’s development is slated to continue until 2043, with plans to handle six million passengers annually by that time. This will help ease congestion at Naples’ Capodichino International Airport, which recorded a record 12.4 million passengers in 2023.

Carlos Muñoz, the founder and president of Volotea, described the airport's opening as 'a significant milestone for the region' in a statement shared with Dinogo. Roberto Barbieri from GESAC called the development 'a powerful catalyst for tourism growth in our area.'

While the Amalfi Coast has been battling overtourism, with authorities enforcing significant car restrictions to reduce traffic, the local community appears to be largely supportive of the new airport.

Fausto Salsano, the owner of the Vietri Centro B&B in Vietri sul Mare, the first village on the renowned coastline, shared with Dinogo: 'I’m overjoyed that we will finally have an airport on the Amalfi Coast.'

'For those of us working in tourism, this will be a launching pad to further establish our presence in the industry.'

He forecasted 'significant growth across all sectors.'