The picturesque allure of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, adorned with pastel-painted villages and lemon grove-clad cliffs, has long captivated the hearts of travellers, drawing in approximately five million tourists annually.
Yet, accessing this Mediterranean marvel has often posed a logistical challenge. The conventional route involves flying into Naples airport, followed by a time-consuming journey comprising trains and buses to reach sought-after destinations like Amalfi and Positano.
However, a beacon of convenience is set to illuminate the travel landscape in 2024. Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, nestled 45 kilometres southeast of Amalfi and a mere 21 kilometres from Salerno, a current gateway to the coastline, is poised to resume operations as a commercial airport, with flights slated to commence as early as July 2024.
Easing the Journey: Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport’s Resurgence
Originally established in 1926, Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport has played multifaceted roles over the decades, serving as a military base, flying school, firefighting centre, and private airstrip. While efforts were made in 2007 to transition it into a commercial airport, it ceased operations entirely in 2016. Now, with extensive renovations and an extended runway, the airport is primed to reclaim its status as an international transport hub, with a new passenger terminal slated for completion by 2027.
Airlines and Destinations: Expanding Horizons
Leading the charge in this aviation revival is Spanish budget carrier, Volotea, scheduled to inaugurate commercial flights from Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport on July 11th. The airline has unveiled plans for four routes connecting the Amalfi Coast with key destinations in Italy and France. Beginning in July, flights will link the coastline with Cagliari, Verona, and Catania, followed by the addition of Nantes in September.
A Promising Future, Not Without Challenges
While stakeholders celebrate the prospect of enhanced accessibility, there are apprehensions regarding the ramifications of increased visitor footfall on the region’s infrastructure and natural splendor. With projections indicating a surge in passenger traffic up to six million annually by 2043, efforts to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation and sustainable development will be paramount.